Hidilyn Diaz vents frustration, disappointment over PHL weightlifting

Hidilyn Diaz vented out her frustration and disappointment about the state of weightlifting in the Philippines.

In a letter dated September 21 and addressed to Philippine Sports Commission William Butch Ramirez, the 2018 Asian Games gold medalist slammed officials who did not have the sport and the athletes in their best interests.

She called out Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella for “creating further misfortune” and urged him to undergo an election process.

“It is depressing how a sports leader use weightlifting without promoting and expanding our sports, without a strategic plan, without a long-term program for the athletes, and without integrity. Mr. Monico Puentevella is creating further misfortune to our sport instead of upholding unity and peace should he really have/had/has the heart for weightlifting in the country. He must voluntarily do what is RIGHT! He must undergo election process if he really wants to be the President,” she wrote.

Prejudice and criticism

Diaz brought pride to the country and the spotlight to weightlifting after she won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In the letter, she said it was frustrating to witness the state of weightlifting in the country after her win.

“I expected a lot of changes in Weightlifting but sadly I saw some people who only use Weightlifting for their own benefits and not for the benefits of our sports and athletes,” she said.

She said that she was labeled as arrogant because she requested for additional support as she continued to train.

“I had to endure several personal prejudice and criticisms from different sectors. I was immediately judged as “LumakiangUlo” and “mayabang” just because I requested for additional support and stated what I really need in training,” she continued.

“I tried to understand and lower my standard in training and in life but I got stuck in my life, my performance decrease and I lost my confidence in the process,” she added.

The letter was posted on the Facebook account of former Philippine Sports Commission Chair Perry Mequi.

Sports officials vs athletes

Diaz further criticized how sports officials used "hate, revenge, and their emotional state" while making decisions.

She also claimed they don't want to see their athletes succeed.

"I have been in weightlifting for 16 years and I witnessed how weightlifting governed by sports officials without plan for the athletes and sports, how they used the “Palakasan” system, how they used hate, revenge, and their emotional state in making decisions, and they don’t want to see their athletes succeed because they are threatened if the athletes will learn to talk, express and stand for themselves," she said.

Diaz said that winning the 2016 Rio Olympics gave her more responsibility with regards to her sport and she felt obligated to uplift and promote weightlifting.

She said she is using her voice to stand up for what is right.

"When will these wrongdoing stop? Me as the voice and face of the Philippine Athletes, STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT for the sports, for weightlifting and for the athletes. I am confident that you will help me on this matter as we are doing this for the future generations," she said.