WHAT a day! At long last, after almost 100 years, the Philippine bags an Olympic Gold. Hidilyn Diaz is our heroine. What more, she did in Olympic record setting marks to rule Weightlifting Women’s 55-kg category. She is going home to the jubilant Filipinos in search of a hero. She is expected to receive no less than 50 Million Pesos as an incentive for what she has achieved.
In just one day, her life has turned from poverty to prosperity from relative unknown to a household name. Gold is the highest. We no longer console ourselves -- “This silver is worth like a gold.” This was our mantra and when boxers Anthony Villanueva (1964 Olympics) and Onyok Velasco (1996 Olympics) settled for second place finish. Now, the gold is real.
Her spirit and determination personify the “puso” of the Filipinos. Her rival, Chinese Liao Qiuyun lifted the weights at 126 in her final lift. Not to be deferred, Diaz summoned her strength to lift 127 kgs. It’s a stuff that makes heroes out of ordinary persons.
As of this is not enough, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam won over worthy opponents. For the first time, our sports officials can beat their chests and not apologize for our athletic dismal showing in international events.
Also today, United States of America lost their first basketball game in the OLymoics to France 76-83. The United States is the most dominant country in this sport. Their record in the Olympics – 138-6 and won the gold 15 times since 1936.
The State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte is relegated to the inside of the newspapers. His defense of drugs has become monotonous. His bias towards the military has alienated the teachers and the nurses. It seems there was nothing in the Sona that excites the nation.
July 27, 2021 - The banner headlines read:
“Finally, Olympic Gold” – the Philippine Star
“Heavy Load Lifted: Diaz wins 1st PH Olympic Gold” – The Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Everybody loves a winner.