Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and her husband, Julius Naranjo, with their guests at the inauguration and blessing of the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal, on July 26, 2024. Photo courtesy of Hidilyn Diaz on Instagram (@hidilyndiaz)
MANILA -- July 26 continues to be a special day for Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.
On the third anniversary of her historic triumph in the Tokyo Olympics, and the second anniversary of her wedding to Julius Naranjo, Diaz officially inaugurated her weightlifting academy in Jalajala, Rizal.
In a series of posts on her Instagram page, the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medalist shared her joy at finally having the facility blessed in a ceremony attended by friends and guests from here and abroad.
"Today is the inauguration and blessing of @hdweightliftingacademy together with my husband @imjulius celebrating our 3rd year winning a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics and 2nd anniversary of our wedding. The one who administers our wedding is the same who administers the blessing of the academy today," Diaz wrote.
"Though the weather's not predictable, I am thankful and blessed to be with people who are with us, and show support, with Julius, and the HDWLA," she added.
According to Diaz, her guests at the blessing and inauguration came from Malaysia, Brunei, Manila, La Union, Zamboanga and Bulacan, braving the floods brought about by Typhoon Carina in order to attend.
Diaz also launched the academy's training programs, with their first session set for August 3 for novice and beginners. Interested participants can register at hdwlacademy.com.
Diaz, 33, won Olympic silver in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, before writing history as the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medalist in the pandemic-delayed Games in Tokyo 2021.
READ: Paris-bound weightlifters reveal message from 'Ate Hidilyn'
READ: Hidilyn Diaz to keep lifting as Paris dream ends
Her attempt at a fifth Olympics fell short, however, as she did not make it to the top 10 of the 59kg weight class with Elreen Ando instead qualifying as the Philippines' representative.
Even as she celebrated another milestone, Diaz also took a moment to cheer on the national athletes who are in Paris, set to play for flag and country in the Summer Games.
"Sa mga atletang Pilipino, nasa inyo ang aking suporta at panalangin," Diaz said in another post that featured the 22 members of Team Philippines in Paris, France. "Hangad ko ang inyong tagumpay. Para sa Diyos at Bayan!"
RELATED VIDEO: