MANILA, Philippines – Rio Olympic weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz is optimistic she can bring home a medal when she competes in the International Weightlifting Federation World Championship at the Anaheim Convention Center in California in the United States.
Diaz, who copped a silver in the Fifth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan last September, left as early as two weeks ago. She said she is aiming to improve on her personal best 98 kilograms in the snatch and 118kg in the clean and jerk in the 53kg class in the event that started Tuesday and ends on December 6.
“It depends on the condition but I hope I can reach 100kg and 120kg there,” said the 26-year-old Diaz, who lifted 88kg and 112kg to settle for the silver in the Rio Games behind eventual gold medal winner Hsu Shu Ching of Chinese Taipei’ 100kg, 112kg.
Diaz is using the event to prepare for the Asian Games set in Palembang, Indonesia next year as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
While the Anaheim tilt will not earn anyone Olympic qualifying points, it will give participants a chance to test their rivals’ mettle.
“It will not be a qualifying event for Tokyo but we need to participate there so that we will not be removed from the list and we also get to scout the opposition,” said Diaz.
Like Diaz, another Philippine bet, Kristel Macrohon, a bronze medal winner in Ashgabat, is also eyeing to bring home a medal as she will see action in the 69kg division.