Photo from Hidilyn Diaz/Instagram
MANILA – You can call her Professor Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo starting next year.
The first Filipino Olympic gold medalist will soon be part of the faculty of the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics (UP CHK), she announced on Instagram Thursday, three months after she first hinted at the possibility.
"Met with the members of the College Executive Board of UP-CHK as I prepare for my upcoming teaching engagement. It’s a new path, a level-up opportunity to become a lecturer at UP CHK!" she wrote in her post.
Diaz-Naranjo earlier said she is looking forward to teaching in UP CHK, when she served as guest speaker during the college's recognition rites last July.
READ: First Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz hints she might teach at UP
By becoming an educator, Diaz-Naranjo is taking her mission to give back a step further by sharing her experiences to her future students.
"When they asked, 'Why teach?' I said, 'Because I want to keep learning, and I hope my students will learn from me too.' Designing a curriculum to promote and spread weightlifting has always been a dream," she wrote.
"I’m excited and nervous, but ready to give my best. I love weightlifting, and I’ll keep doing my best to grow and share the sport I love. Can’t wait to meet my future students and co-faculty members," Diaz-Naranjo added.
READ: Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz continues to 'lift others' through weightlifting
The Olympic gold medalist expressed gratitude to UP for giving her an opportunity to teach future Iskolars ng Bayan.
"Thank you, UP, for welcoming me and believing in what I can share. 🙏 Excited to start this new journey. 🌟 See you on January 2026!" she said.
Before this, Diaz-Naranjo has been involved in mentoring the country's young and upcoming weightlifters through the HD Weightlifting Academy.
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