Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz wins first ever Olympic gold for Philippines

Athlete calls it 'a dream come true' as she triumphs in women’s 55-kilogram category in her fourth Games

Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines celebrates after winning gold in the women's 55kg weightlifting event of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo, Japan.

Hidilyn Diaz won the first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines.

Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz stands on the podium for the victory ceremony of the women's 55kg weightlifting competition.

Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines celebrates winning the women's 55kg weightlifting event of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz stands on the podium for the victory ceremony.

Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz holds her medal on the podium.

Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz reacts on the podium for the victory ceremony.

Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines celebrates with Weightlifting Philippines federation president Monico Puntuevella after winning the gold medal.

Hidilyn Diaz during her women's 55kg weightlifting event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Philippines' Hidilyn Diaz reacts after placing first in the women's 55kg weightlifting competition.

Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines reacts after winning gold.

Philippines' Hidilyn Diaz competes in the women's 55kg weightlifting competition.

Hidilyn Diaz of Team Philippines competes during the women's 55kg event.

Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines celebrates as she competes and sets new world record and won the gold medal in the women's 55kg weightlifting event.

Monday proved to be a historic day for the Philippines as weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz became the first athlete from her country to win an Olympic gold medal.

The Rio 2016 silver medallist, 30, reached the top of the podium in the women's 55-kilogram class at the Tokyo International Forum, defeating world record holder Liao Qiuyun of China.

"It's unbelievable, it's a dream come true," Diaz told AFP. "I want to say to the young generation in the Philippines, 'You can have this dream of gold too.'

"This is how I started and finally I was able to do it."

Liao set a target of 223kg, which was four short of her own world record. Diaz faced a final clean and jerk of 127kg to win - 5kg more than she had ever achieved.

With one final push, she clinched the gold and ended her country's gold drought. In her fourth Olympics, the 30-year-old lifted a combined weight of 224kg, an Olympic record.

Liao took silver, with Kazakhstan's Zulfiya Chinshanlo taking bronze.

Diaz was already a star back home, her silver five years ago ending a 20-year medal wait for the Philippines.

She spent the last year and a half training in exile in Malaysia because of Covid restrictions.

"I'm looking forward to going back home to the Philippines to be with my family because I really miss them," she said. "I'm looking forward now to [enjoying] my life after so many sacrifices."

Diaz's medal was one of only 11 the Philippines has won since the country first took part in the Olympics in 1924.

The country's presidential representative, Harry Roque, said that Diaz has brought pride and glory to the Philippines.

"Congratulations, Hidilyn. The entire Filipino nation is proud of you," he said.