Far from home: Weightlifter's quest for first Philippines Olympic gold


Olympic weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines writing notes during a training session in Jasin in the Malaysian city of Malacca. Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who took silver at Rio 2016, has been stuck in Malaysia since February last year because of the coronavirus pandemic but has been determined to realise her dream of becoming the first Olympic gold medal winner from Philippines. - AFP

JASIN (Malaysia), May 27 (AFP): Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz grunts with the effort of hoisting a barbell over her head in an outdoor makeshift gym ringed by banana and rambutan trees as trucks thunder past -- an unlikely training base for a shot at Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Diaz, 30, who took silver at Rio 2016, has been stuck in Malaysia since February last year because of the coronavirus pandemic but has remained determined to realise her dream of becoming the first Olympic gold medal winner from the Philippines.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

6.6-magnitude earthquake hits off Taiwan, reports USGS
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Dec 27, 2025)
Police in India's capital arrest hundreds in security crackdown before before the New Year festivities
Suspected explosives found on Nilai bomb maker at time of arrest
A 40-year-old woman charged over 15kg methamphetamine seizure at Sydney Airport
The Philippines is ready to shape the future of regular tourism as the Asean chairmanship duty nears
Sunday polls bring hopes to Myanmar, junta says on election eve
Year-end clampdown on crime in Singapore sees over 1,700 people investigated, more than 500 arrested
Thailand's worst incident - The SAO building collapse: causes, accountability and the impact of 2025’s defining tragedy
Indonesian rescuers search for Spanish family after boat sinks near Komodo Island

Others Also Read