Genela Nicolas

The Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz expressed her intention to take on a teaching role at the University of the Philippines (UP) during the College of Human Kinetics Recognition Rites this Saturday, July 5, where she served as guest speaker.

Photo Courtesy of Facebook/GMA News and Public Affairs.

“Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo na excited na ako sa posibilidad na magbahagi pa ako ng aking karanasan at mga natutunan at magturo dito sa inyong unibersidad. Sana matuloy ito,” she stated. 

While Diaz has expressed strong interest, there is no official statement yet from the university confirming her role.

On the other hand, this implies a transition for the Olympic Champion, from a competing athlete to a mentor in higher education, where she sets an example on how Filipinos can use growth to contribute to the country. 

“Bukod sa pansariling paglago, lagi rin nating isipin kung paano tayo makapagbigay ng kontribusyon sa bayan,” she emphasized. 

Moreover, Díaz first made history after securing Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the women’s 55kg weightlifting category. 

Since then, she has become a strong advocate for youth development in sports, establishing the Hidilyn Díaz Weightlifting Academy in Jala-jala, Rizal to train aspiring lifters.

“Nais ko lang banggitin na may naipundar ako ng maliit na training camp sa Jala-jala, Rizal. Dito, nagsasanay ako ng kabataan na nais matuto ng weightlifting at magbibigay rin ng karangalan sa kanilang pamilya at sa bayan," she said.

If the teaching opportunity at UP takes place, it would mark another step in her efforts to share her knowledge beyond the weightlifting platform.