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HANOI, Vietnam (AFP) — Philippine hero Hidilyn Diaz gained a second straight weightlifting gold on the SEA Video games on Friday, calling it a primary step in the direction of the defence of her Olympic crown at Paris 2024.
Dealing with off towards 5 opponents within the ladies’s 55 kg class, the 31-year-old Tokyo Olympic champion simply beat most of them in Hanoi as she lifted a complete weight of 206 kg.
Though properly in need of the 224 kg she lifted within the Japanese capital final summer time, the Philippines’ first and solely Olympic gold medallist was completely satisfied so as to add one other title to her rising assortment.
“Though I believed I used to be not that good, my efficiency not good, I’m completely satisfied,” mentioned Diaz, who has turn into a nationwide hero and superstar again residence since Tokyo.
“I’m completely satisfied to be again once more and preparing for Paris 2024.
“That is the start of my journey in the direction of Paris,” she added of what could be her fifth Olympics.
A slender silver went to Thailand’s 2016 Olympic champion Sanikun Tanasan, with a complete weight of 203 kg. Indonesia’s Natasya Beteyob was third with a complete 188 kg.
Diaz’s life has been turned the wrong way up since making historical past for the Philippines finally summer time’s pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics.
She admitted that, a bit like after successful silver at Rio 2016, she had gone by means of “ache”.
“Quite a lot of ache as a result of I get so huge, I get so busy, I don’t have coaching for what number of days and months and for us weightlifters we actually want to coach six to 9 instances every week, and I used to be not in a position to do it after successful the gold medal,” mentioned Diaz, after a second SEA Video games gold to go together with 2019.
“I’m completely satisfied to be again once more. To be again and practice, and you understand, to be in competitors once more,” added Diaz, who has the Olympic rings tattooed on her left bicep.
Thanking her crew, household and supporters, Diaz mentioned that one other Olympic gold and success on the 2022 Asian Video games — which was not too long ago postponed in China and will as a substitute happen subsequent 12 months — was now in her sights.
“I do know I can do it along with Workforce HD, along with the individuals who consider in me,” she mentioned.
© Agence France-Presse
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