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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Weightlifting: Hidilyn Diaz respects IOC decision if plans to postpone 2020 Tokyo Olympics pushes through

Weightlifting: Hidilyn Diaz respects IOC decision if plans to postpone 2020 Tokyo Olympics pushes through

Published Mar 24, 2020 12:00 am
By Waylon Galvez With the possible delay, even cancellation, of the Tokyo Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz said it would be hard to accept the fact as an athlete after all the preparations, training, competitions and sacrifice to get to the Games. Colombia's travel ban on Asians and Europeans forced Hidilyn Diaz to skip an important tournament that could have been her final OQT to formalize her 2020 Tokyo Olympics berth. (MB File Photo) Hidilyn Diaz (MB File Photo) However, the 28-year-old weightlifter understands the reasons behind the call to postpone the event as the world is dealing with the deadly COVID-19 that has affected and claimed thousands of lives. “Four years kasi ang preparation for Olympics,” said Diaz in a message Monday to the Manila Bulletin. “With four months to go… sayang malapit na sana. Isang kurot na lang nandyan na. “Pero may mga bagay na hindi natin control. Siguro as an athlete whatever the decision of International Olympic Committee, tatangapin ko.” Diaz is seeking a second straight Olympic berth in the 55kg women’s category following her silver medal finish in the 53kg division in the Rio Olympics four years ago in Brazil. Diaz only needs to join one more Olympic Qualifying Tournament (QOT) to formalize her entry to the Games. She was supposed to join the Asian Championship next month to complete the required six OQTs but Kazakhstan backed out as host, while Uzbekistan begged off as replacement site. The IWF met last week and made modifications to the qualifications. It is awaiting approval from the IOC. Despite all that has happened, Diaz said she is still hoping for a miracle. “Olympics ang nagbibigay ng hope sa aming mga athlete na after all this things happening maging okay na lahat at ma-push through na ang Olympics. Yes nandun pa rin ang hope at gusto ko na tapusin ang preparation sa Olympics,” said Diaz. “I left everything for the Olympics, for the country. Pero yun nga, may mga bagay na hindi natin kontrolado.” “Alam ko mahirap ang pinagdadaanan nating lahat, mahirap but we have to continue sa ginagawa natin. Follow the protocols para may contributions tayo to stop sa spread ng Coronavirus,” she added. Diaz is currently with her “Team HD” composed of Chinese coach Kaiwen Gao, strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo and massage therapist Belen Bañas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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