Hidilyn Diaz & Elreen Ando Going Toe-to-toe
HIDILYN DIAZ – Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is committed to competing in the women’s 59-kilogram division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, even if it means competing against rising star Elreen Ando for the chance to represent the country.
In July 2021, Hidilyn became the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal when she lifted 127 kg in the clean and jerk competition. She defeated eight athletes, including world record-holder Liao Qiuyun of China.
Hidilyn received a two-story home in Tagaytay, 50 million pesos, and other gifts. She had earlier said on Instagram that she would compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Hidilyn Diaz is ready to face fellow Filipino Elreen Ando in the 59-kilogram division. According to a report from Daily Tribune, there is only one person who can represent the Philippines in the 59-kilogram division in the coming 2024 Paris Olympics, and Hidilyn and another Filipino weightlifter, Elreen Ando, agree.
That is why it is possible that Hidilyn and Elreen will have a competition for who should represent the Philippines in the upcoming Olympics.
READ ALSO: Hidilyn Donates Weightlifting Equipment To LGUs
Elreen Ando is considered to follow in Hidilyn Diaz’s footsteps, but it seems that the two will have a match soon. According to Hidilyn, she and Elreen have not talked about being rivals in the 59-kilogram division.
“We didn’t talk about it but at the end of the day, the qualifying period is long and whoever gets a better total in the Olympic ranking gets qualified,” Hidilyn said.
“This is for the country at the end of the day,” the 31-year-old world champion added.
Elreen has not yet commented on how she feels that her idol may rob her of her chance to participate in the 2024 Olympics. It is also possible that the two will not compete if Elreen decides to change her weight.
The Weightlifting Association of the Philippines believes that both Hidilyn and Elreen are capable but only one can compete with them in the 59-kilogram category. “Both of them (Diaz and Ando) are qualified, both of them have chances to win, but only one can represent the country for each category,” explained SWP president Monico Puentevella.
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READ ALSO: Hidilyn Wins 3 Gold Medals At Weightlifting Worlds
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