Philippines' golden girl and weightlifting star Diaz targets Olympic defence after SEA Games gold

Philippines' Hidilyn Diaz celebrates as she wins gold in the women's 55kg weightlifting event during the 31st South-East Asian Games (SEA Games) in Hanoi on Friday, May 20, 2022. - AFP

HANOI, May 20, 2022 (AFP): Philippine hero Hidilyn Diaz won a second straight weightlifting gold at the SEA Games on Friday, calling it a first step towards the defence of her Olympic crown at Paris 2024.

Facing off against five opponents in the women's 55 kg category, the 31-year-old Tokyo Olympic champion easily beat most of them in Hanoi as she lifted a total weight of 206 kg.