Why do we have to ask, "When was the first time women joined in sports?" and not "First time sports have been institutionalized?" Why is it that rights for women, especially in sports, have always been late in progress and often disregarded?
Women, throughout the years, have been stereotyped as soft, weak, and vulnerable. And people like that have no room for sports, where activities are primarily physical. In recent years, progressive minds came into action and gave women the spotlight they deserve. In the Philippines, where a patriarchal society is dominant, it is ironic that the first Olympic medal bestowed in our country came from the strength and courage of a woman.
She hurdled various competitions that prepared her for this. Being able to secure three medals for three consecutive years in the Asian Games, it is with no doubt that she will clinch the first Olympic Gold Medal for the Philippines.
Hidilyn Diaz stood atop the podium of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after giving the country its first Olympic Gold Medal for the Women's 55 kg Weightlifting Event. She carried a combined weight of 224 kg, leaving China in silver and Kazakhstan with bronze. But before weeping for success, she also faced severe insecurities because of her sport. She came along with some misconceptions that weightlifting is a sport for boys only, she won't be pregnant, she won't grow tall, and no man will love a bulky woman. And as a way to console herself, she tends to cover herself with a jacket.
But her heart for the sport won. Two years later, she seized second place in the event in the Rio Olympics. And after five years, her determination paid off. She landed the top seed for the women's weightlifting 55 kg event.
As her friend puts it, "Filipino girls now have a diverse spectrum of who to consider as their heroes, idols, and models. Little girls now have the opportunity to dream and reach for the stars in ways beyond what all the past generations of Filipino girls never had."
As much as she wants to bring hope for her motherland through her achievement, she also wants to tell her story to inspire girls and youths that passion knows no sex and gender. A woman set a record for the Philippines, a woman broke the record for the Philippines, and a woman brought pride for the Philippines.
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Written by: Rizza Alarcio
Layout and Design by: Gerald Reyes
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