From Olympic Podium to UP Classroom? Hidilyn Diaz Drops Major Hint
HIDILYN DIAZ – Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz surprised many when she revealed her interest in becoming a teacher at the University of the Philippines.
Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal, has expressed her excitement over the possibility of teaching at the University of the Philippines (UP). Speaking as a guest at the recognition rites of the College of Human Kinetics in UP Diliman, Diaz revealed her hopes to share her knowledge and journey with students in the country’s premier state university.
“Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo na excited na ako sa posibilidad na magbahagi pa ako ng aking karanasan at mga natutunan at magturo dito sa inyong unibersidad. Sana matuloy ito,” she said.
During her speech, Diaz looked back at her historic victory during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, highlighting the collective spirit behind her success. “It’s not just me lifting the weights. We lifted history. We lifted every Filipino’s dream,” she recalled.
She also emphasized the importance of community and service in her athletic journey. Diaz encouraged the new graduates to engage in grassroots programs and other community-centered efforts to help uplift others.
“Bukod sa pansariling paglago, lagi rin nating isipin kung paano tayo makapagbigay ng kontribusyon sa bayan,” she told the graduating class.
“Tandaan ninyo: ang tunay na lakas ay hindi lamang sa pagbuhat ng mabibigat na bagay, kung hindi sa pagtutulungan at paglilingkod sa kapwa.”
In 2024, Diaz commemorated the anniversary of her Olympic win by launching the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy. The initiative aims to train and mentor future Filipino weightlifters who aspire to compete internationally.
In UP Diliman, weightlifting and weight training are offered as elective Physical Education classes and are part of the core curriculum for Sports Science students, according to the university’s Computerized Registration System (CRS) and the Office of the University Registrar.
If her plans to teach push through, Diaz’s presence in the academic community would undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and advocates of sports development in the country.
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