MANILA, Philippines — Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz added to her legend on Wednesday when she was among nine personalities who were given five-point brass stars in the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.
Diaz, who made history in 2021 when she nabbed the country's first-ever gold medal in the Tokyo Games, was the only athlete to be inducted in the latest class of Walk of Fame stars.
The weightlifter joined the likes of actress Maja Salvador, journalsit Mario Dumaual, National Artist Ricky Lee, singer Janet Basco, broadcaster Gerry Baja, and social media stars Ranz Kyle and Niana Guerrero.
National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa, who passed away in October 2019, was also given a star posthumously.
Diaz shared on social media how she felt about the rare honor for an athlete.
"Salamat sa karangalan na ito," Diaz wrote on Instagram.
"Di ko inakala nandito pangalan ko sa [star] na ito sa Walk of Fame dito sa Eastwood kasama ko ay ang National Artist natin si Sir [Ricky Lee], ang idol ko sa pagaartista [Maja Salvador] , si [Mario Dumaual nakikita ko sa mga showbiz news, [Ranz and Niana], [Janet Basco], [Gerry Baja], [Tony Mabesa]," she added.
Diaz joins two other athletes — Paeng Nepomuceno and Manny Pacquiao — who also have their own stars at the Walk of Fame.
Nepomuceno graced the event as well, leading the induction of the personalities with others.