MANILA, Philippines — Hidilyn Diaz celebrates three milestones on July 26.

Reflecting on the day that changed everything, the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist paused to express her deep gratitude for that pivotal moment on July 26th.

Diaz posted on social media, reminiscing about a trifecta of milestones that made her look back with a smile. 

This same day marks the day where: she won an Olympic gold in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for the Philippines, her third wedding anniversary, and the first anniversary of her weightlifting camp.

“These moments remind me of how strong Filipinos are, that winning GOLD is POSSIBLE and how God used my journey to inspire others, especially during the difficult times when the pandemic hit,” Diaz wrote on Facebook. 

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Diaz also shared in her previous interviews that she’s more than a weightlifting champion, as she also wants to have a home and live a life of purpose.  
Celebrating her first year with Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Camp, this is her way to give back to the sport that changed her life. 

“I’m grateful to share a purposeful life with Julius. Through HDWLA, we continue to pass on our love and knowledge in weightlifting, helping athletes believe in themselves and lift more than just weights,” she penned. 

“We’re proud to celebrate HDWLA’s first year, a year of empowering athletes to rise not just in sport, but in life as they work toward reaching their dreams,” she added. 

Being a weightlifting icon and a legend, Diaz continues to build her legacy as she expressed her desire to help the next generation of athletes in representing the Filipino flag. 

“Today also reminds me of how far I’ve come as an athlete and as a Filipino. And it encourages me to keep growing so I can uplift even more Filipinos through sports.”