Hidilyn Diaz remains unstoppable in her passion for weightlifting and representing the Philippines. Speaking at a media conference held on September 17, 2025 in Pasig City, the Olympic champion revealed her preparations for the coming months.
Preparing for SEA Games
“Yes, actually, I’m preparing for SEA Games,” she said. “Yung inspirasyon ko, bumabalik ako palagi… (My inspiration, I always go back…) always to represent my country in doing my best for the Philippines in weightlifting and also inspiring our young Filipinos.”
She was firm about her commitment to compete again.
“Maglalaro po ako sa SEA Games ngayong December. Depende sa Philippine delegation. Pero maglalaro ako,” she added. (I will play at the SEA Games this December. It depends on the Philippine delegation. But I will play).
From Olympic triumph to legacy-building
Diaz made history at Tokyo 2020 when she became the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic champion. She had previously won a silver medal in the 53kg category at Rio 2016 but upgraded to a historic gold in Tokyo after clinching victory in the 55kg division with an Olympic record lift.
Now, beyond her own accolades, Diaz has shifted her focus to shaping the next generation of Filipino lifters. This renewed sense of purpose is the heart of “Lifting Makes Me Lift Others”, a short film produced by the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy (HDWLA) in cooperation with Eleiko and TheRack.Co. The short film was also shown at the event.
‘Lifting Makes Me Lift Others’
The short film traces Diaz’s journey from her early days in weightlifting, through her Olympic triumphs, and the challenges that followed—including her struggle of not qualifying for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. It culminates in her dedication to train young athletes and build a legacy that extends beyond her personal competition career.
Shot at the picturesque HDWLA facility in Jala Jala, Rizal, the five-minute feature includes moments from her training with Coach Julius Naranjo and her mentorship of aspiring lifters. Produced with Eleiko, the global leader in strength sports equipment, and TheRack.Co, the Philippines’ authority in strength training equipment, the project emphasizes their shared commitment to performance, community, and the sport’s future.
Carrying the responsibility
“I’m a public figure now. It’s not about the medal, it’s about the responsibility,” Diaz reflected.”With 23 years of experience, she now aims to impart knowledge, empowerment, and self-belief to the next generation.
TheRack.Co General Manager Ken Tan described the film as a celebration of legacies: “Eleiko, manufacturing the best strength sports equipment in the world since 1957; while Hidilyn Diaz, a weightlifter and the first Olympic gold medalist of the Philippines—both of them have built their respective legacies and we want to celebrate this by bringing them together in one film.”
Public release and future plans
Lifting Makes Me Lift Others is now available for public viewing, through official social media platforms and select screenings hosted by HDWLA and TheRack.Co. Watch it below.
The film’s release also amplifies a movement within Philippine weightlifting to provide global competition-standard equipment while uplifting athletes through mentorship and opportunities. To carry this forward, HDWLA, Eleiko Education, and TheRack.Co are organizing a Weightlifting Exhibition Competition in January 2026.
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