Manila, Philippines, July 30, 2021: The rewards and recognition continue to flood in for the Philippines’ Olympic Games hero Hidilyn Diaz.
Her sensational victory in the women’s 55kg weightlifting at Tokyo 2020 ended a 97-year wait for gold for the Philippine Olympic Committee and brought pride and joy throughout the vast archipelago and the millions of Filipinos worldwide.
Her latest honour is a promotion in the Philippine Air Force (AFP), from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, on the personal approval of General Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Chief of Staff.
A statement by the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the promotion to the next higher rank for the 30-year-old weightlifter.
“In view of her recent historic win in the Olympics, the Philippine Air Force through its Commanding General approved the promotion of Sgt Hidilyn Diaz effective 27 July 2021 to the rank of Staff Sergeant,” the citation said.
“We laud and support this move at the General Headquarters to mark SSg Diaz’s remarkable achievements in the field of sports and for bringing pride and glory to our country.
“Congratulations, SSg Diaz. The AFP is proud of your accomplishments and may you continue to serve as an inspiration to your fellow service members.”
Diaz earned silver at Rio 2016 and then added Asian Games gold in 2018 and SEA Games gold in 2019 before her Tokyo heroics on July 26.