Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo made a memorable return to Japan, the site of her historic triumph, to serve as a torchbearer for the 20th Asian Games ahead of Saturday’s official opening ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium.
The Zamboanga-born weightlifter etched her name into sports history at the Tokyo Games by securing the Philippines’ inaugural Olympic gold medal, breaking a 97-year title drought.
Prior to her Tokyo breakthrough, she claimed a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first athlete from the country to achieve multiple Olympic podium finishes.
Swapping her lifting gear for the ceremonial torch, Diaz-Naranjo joined Thursday’s relay in Nagoya to help usher in the continental event.
Reflecting on her journey, which includes a gold medal performance at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and a subsequent appearance in Hangzhou, the weightlifting legend offered words of encouragement to the current national contingent.
“Keep the fire burning,” Diaz said.
The Philippine delegation heading into the Aichi-Nagoya Games features several top-tier contenders, including double Olympic champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, tennis star Alex Eala, jiu-jitsu practitioner Annie Ramirez, and the national esports team.