Hidilyn sends best wishes

MANILA, Philippines — If there’s one person who can be a source of inspiration, support, and confidence for the Filipino athletes in the Paris Olympics, it’s none other than the country’s first and only Olympic gold medalist.

Along with millions of Filipinos at home, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo yesterday threw her backing to the 22-strong Team Philippines in their biggest fight for gold and glory in France.

“Sa mga atletang Pilipino, nasa inyo ang aking suporta at panalangin. Hangad ko ang inyong tagumpay. Para sa Diyos at bayan,” said the legend on her official social media account.

Along with his statement of support, the 33-year-old Zamboanga City pride posted a collage photo of the 22 Filipino Olympians, who have been tasked to fly the flag high in the biggest sporting spectacle on earth.

Diaz-Naranjo snapped a 97-year futility for Philippine sports by lifting her way to the historic gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics.