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There are plenty of words to describe how special July 26 is for Philippine sports icon Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo.
For one, it was the day Diaz delivered the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines four years ago, ruling the women's 55kg weightlifting event in the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games.
The following year on the exact day, she and her coach Julius Irvin Naranjo tied the knot at the St. Ignatius Chapel inside the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.
Two years forward, the couple embarked on a new path as they inaugurated the HD Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal to give aspiring lifters a boost, especially the ones who are hoping to become like Hidilyn in the future.
“Today holds so much meaning as I celebrate three milestones: winning the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines, our third wedding anniversary with my coach and husband @imjulius , and the first anniversary of @hdweightliftingacademy,” Hidilyn wrote.
“These moments remind me of how strong Filipinos are, that winning [gold is possible] and how God used my journey to inspire others, especially during the difficult times when the pandemic hit,” she added.
Hidilyn also expressed her love to her husband Julius as they continue their mission of extending their hands to young athletes.
“I’m grateful to share a purposeful life with Julius. Through HDWLA, we continue to pass on our love and knowledge in weightlifting, helping athletes believe in themselves and lift more than just weights,” Hidilyn continued.
“We’re proud to celebrate HDWLA’s first year, a year of empowering athletes to rise not just in sport, but in life as they work toward reaching their dreams,” she concluded. “Today also reminds me of how far I’ve come as an athlete and as a Filipino. And it encourages me to keep growing so I can uplift even more Filipinos through sports.”
Last month, Hidilyn, a two-time Olympic medalist, made her comeback in the women’s 63kg category of the 2025 SWP National Weightlifting Championships held in Dumaguete City where she won a silver medal.
