Manila, Philippines, June 24, 2022: Some of Asia’s leading athletes took to social media to show their pride in the Olympic movement and to thank their supporters on the occasion of Olympic Day 2022 on Thursday, June 23.
The Philippines’ first Olympic Games gold medallist, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at Tokyo 2020 last summer, said: “Happy Olympic Day! I have been competing in the Olympics for the fourth time; each Olympic Games is meaningful to me. I started knowing nothing about the Olympics; after my fourth try I won the gold medal for the Philippines.
“Olympics gave me direction in life and my athlete life. I started to have an impossible dream in my heart when I first competed in Beijing in 2008 as a wild card athlete. It opened my eyes and heart to dream high and reach the impossible.
“I just want to encourage the young Filipinos to join in sports or do some sports. Dream high! You can win a gold medal too for the Philippines.”
India’s Tokyo Olympic fencer, CA Bhavani Devi, commented: “Passion, victories, defeats, emotions, sacrifices, unity, discipline, struggles, friendships, valuable lessons and several other experiences are constant in an athlete’s life.
“On this Olympic Day, I would like to thank and give a shout out to all my well-wishers, supporters, friends and family for your continuous encouragement in leading this exciting life that a career in sport has given me!
“With the Olympic spirit and sincere efforts, I will strive hard to make our nation proud. I wish everyone a Happy Olympic Day!”
Malaysia’s Olympic diver Pandelela Rinong featured in an Olympic Day 2022 yoga video to highlight the “move for peace” aspect of Olympic Day, despite her busy schedule heading to Budapest, Hungary for the FINA World Championships.
“Get your stretch on with Pandelela,” said the Olympics post. “When we move together, we stand together. Pandelela Rinong is helping us to stretch with yoga.”
