
Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was all set to compete in the Ibero-America Open Championships 2020 but was unable to fly to the Latin America nation due to the travel ban enforced by the Colombian government.
From March 16, Colombia has set rules in closing its borders to any foreigner who has been to Europe or Asia for the past 14 days.
Hidilyn's journey to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was put to a test as countries implemented strict bans against foreign nationals due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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“I was supposed to have my flight today going to Colombia to compete at the Ibero-America Open Championships 2020 for my final Olympic Qualifying competition but we didn't push through because of travel ban in Colombia,” she wrote.
“As an athlete we don't stop when we fail once, even twice, the most important thing is we do our best and at the end of the day we won't regret anything,” Hidilyn said.
She recently earned three gold medals at the Weightlifting World Cup in Rome, Italy which gave her an advantage for the bid in an Olympic spot.
An official from the International Olympic Committee said the Tokyo Olympics could be cancelled if the COVID-19 pandemic is not under control by May.
However, host country Japan said they are determined to continue the Olympic games on schedule even with US President Donald Trump's recommendation to postpone the game events.
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