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Colombia lockdown hampers Hidilyn Diaz's bid for 2020 Olympics

By Bianca Geli
Published March 18, 2020 10:57 AM PHT

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Hidilyn Diaz is unable to go to Colombia Olympic qualifier due to COVID-19 threat.

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).

READ: Christopher De Leon confirms he has COVID-19

There are things we can't control and we can't do anything, the effects of N-Covid19 is something unimaginable. Most of my Olympic Qualification events are postponed or cancelled, travel ban, city lockdown and country lockdown. Panic, fears and frustration is controlling us right now. 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. 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. I will remain focus and determine to improve every single day together with #TeamHD who prepared me and sacrificed a lot to represent God and Philippines well in Olympics. So far the best snatch technique I have in competitions is captured by @one_kilo_ this was in Roma World Cup 2020 in Roma, Italy. Speaking of Italy, mio amico and mia amica take care always, be strong you are in my prayers, in my thoughts and worries. To my friends, family, supporters, fans, church mate, kabaro at buddy sa Airforce at co-athletes, please take care, wash your hands and social distancing. To frontliners Salamat po sa Serbisyong binigay niyo po. Kuidaw ustedes pirmi! #LabanPilipinas #LabanHidilyn #TeamHD #tokyo2020 #olympicweightlifting @phil.sportscommission @mvpsportsfoundation @phoenixfuels

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Hidilyn Diaz OLY (@hidilyndiaz) noong

“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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