January 6 ------ HIDILYN Diaz-Naranjo said she is getting better every day getting used to the new weight category that she will be competing at in the 2024 Paris Olympics. For Diaz, gaining a ticket to the Olympics this year is a mere formality as she is scheduled to compete in the mandatory tournaments required by the International Weightlifting Federation. She is currently ranked No. 9 in the women’s 59 kilogram category that is being introduced for the first time.
Having time to adjust in the new weight, Diaz said she feels a lot better now especially following the IWF World Cup II in Doha. Though she suffered a minor injury during the December meet, Diaz said she was able to lift 100 kilograms for the first time in the snatch, a step in the right direction for her medal bid in Paris. “Actually, sa snatch, sobrang saya ko kasi na-hit ko ‘yung 100. For how many months, sa utak ko, nahihirapan akong ibuhat tapos nabuhat ko,” said Diaz-Naranjo, the Olympic champion in the now-scrapped 55 kilogram category. “May mga nangyari, wala akong magawa. May slight injury pero ganun ang buhay atleta. Pero ready naman ako. Mas lalo akong na-excite at na-challenge at alam ko na kaya ko ang Olympics. Kaya kong manalo,” said Diaz, who played down the injury as she has recovered from it after two weeks.
As for competing in the 59kg division, Diaz said: “Nandoon na ‘yung lakas ko. ‘Yung confidence ko, mataas na." Diaz said she took a break after the World Cup, which was pre-programmed to make her miss competition and training. She said the team also decided to skip a February tournament to focus on the build-up. “Magko-compete ako sa April para isang buga na lang para sa Olympic qualifying… Ngayon, nagla-light training ako. I have to give time for myself to rest kasi sobrang dami ng competition na nagawa last year. "‘Yun din sabi ng sports psychologist ko na kailangan ma-miss mo ang weightlifting para talagang gusto mo ito,” said Diaz.
Source: spin.ph
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