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

Oil marginally lower on Christmas as investors weigh US data, geopolitical tensions
SMIC, Pop Mart lead Hong Kong stocks higher before Christmas trading break
'World's 1st' immersive theme park in Tokyo to close in February, only two years after its opening
China says US broke international law by seizing oil tankers off Venezuela
Election Commission to be notified of assembly vacancies, says Perlis Speaker
Standing tough: Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting on Party conduct, anti-corruption work
Pope calls for peace and compassion in first Christmas Mass
Car with Hanukkah sign set ablaze in Melbourne
Jawi ordered to probe issue of man dressed as woman, says Zulkifli
Towards immortality: Can Korean sensation An Se-young become the next Lin Dan - an analysis

Others Also Read