Hidilyn Diaz is seen with some of the members of the Team Philippines in Paris. Diaz is in the French capital ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 weightlifting events. –Hergie Bacyadan Instagram
MANILA, Philippines—Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo arrived in Paris, France on Wednesday (Manila time) ahead of Team Philippines’ weightlifting campaign in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Diaz-Naranjo arrived in the French capital just in time for the weightlifting events of the Summer Games where three Filipinos–John Ceniza, Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno–are competing.
Diaz crossed paths with one of Team Philippines’ sluggers and her fellow Tokyo Olympian Eumir Marcial, who exited the medal race in his opening bout, and Hergie Bacyadan, who lost in the round of 16.
READ: Hidilyn Diaz consoles EJ Obiena after 4th place finish
She later on posted that being in Paris brings back memories of her Olympic exploits, specifically her Rio Olympics silver medal finish eight years ago today.
“As I am in Paris to be an athlete’s representative at the Weightlifting Events, all the memories of the Olympics come rushing back. Today marks exactly eight years since my Rio Olympics silver medal,” Diaz, who missed the ticket to the Paris Olympis, wrote.
While the weightlifting events have yet to start, Diaz-Naranjo showed her support for Marcial and most recently, Aira Villegas, who just capped off her Olympic run with a bronze medal.
strong>READ: Aira Villegas ‘not super disappointed’ after Paris Olympics bronze
“Aira, you always say: pray to the Lord, trust in yourself. Yes, this is your comeback! And you’re doing great!” wrote Diaz-Naranjo.
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“You fought not only for yourself but also for Eumir and Carlo, who we know also deserve to win! You fought for our country, thank you! Your comeback is a victory! Your Ate Haidie is proud of you!”
Diaz-Naranjo will serve as a spectator and older sister to three of the Philippines’ weightlifting contenders who will take the spotlight beginning on Wednesday night.
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Ceniza will take center stage on Wednesday at 9 pm (Manila time) in the men’s 61-kilogram.
Then on Thursday, Ando will be competing in the women’s 59kg. Sarno will also see action for Team Philippines in the coming days.
Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024.