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

Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party picks Sihasak as second PM nominee
China social media thrashes one-child policy after population control czar dies
‘Like a common language’: Batik’s role in Singapore’s diplomacy
China manga convention bars Japanese content amid tensions
Bangladesh leader considered top PM candidate returns from exile ahead of polls
Yearender: From Green ambition to caution: EU recalibrates climate strategy amid economic headwinds
Myanmar junta's shift from battlefield to ballots faces long odds
Indonesia lodges complaint over ‘flag desecration’ at London embassy
At least nine killed as passenger bus catches fire after colliding with truck in southern India
Environmental group urges Pahang to abandon Cameron Highlands railway proposal

Others Also Read