Hidilyn Diaz is ‘2016 Sportsman of the Year’
Filipino weightlifter and airwoman, Hidilyn Diaz has been hailed as ‘2016 Sportsman of the Year’ according to a news article published by CNN Philippines.
Also Read: Success Story: Hidilyn Diaz’s ‘Lift’ of Faith
Last February 4, Saturday, some of Philippine Sports’ personalities gathered at Spin.ph ‘s annual awards night, held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria to celebrate the 2016 Sportsman of the Year.
After winning the 2015 World Weightlifting Championship, and nabbing the silver medal at the recent women’s 53kg weightlifting category in 2016, it is just right to gave Hidilyn such recognition. Aside from being the first female athlete to win an Olympic medal for the Philippines, Diaz is also the first woman to bag the award of Spin.ph‘s “Sportsman of the Year”.
Hidilyn Diaz continues to be an inspiration to all Filipinos after making such history for the Philippines.
“Pinahalagahan nila yung ginawa ko sa Olympics saka sa weightlifting saka yung advocacy ko sa young weightlifters.”
[Translation: They have recognized my achievement and my advocacy for young weightlifters] said Diaz.
Other awardees included champion MMA fighter Eduard Folayang, DLSU coach Aldin Ayo, Philippine Sports Commissioner Jolly Gomez, the first Filipina chess grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, volleyball star Jaja Santiago, the San Miguel Beermen, and three-time MVP June Mar Fajardo who received the reader’s choice award.
Diaz is currently gearing up for the 5th Asia Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan in September this year.
Sources: CNN Philippines, Spin.ph
