Hidilyn Diaz says she is looking forward to teaching at UP
Is Hidilyn Diaz going to become a teacher at the University of the Philippines?
The Olympic gold medalist appeared to hint at her new role when she was invited to become a guest speaker at the recognition rites of UP Diliman's College of Human Kinetics.
"Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo, excited na ako sa posibilidad na magbahagi pa ako ng aking karanasan at mga natutunan at magturo dito sa inyong unibersidad," Diaz said, earning her cheers from the audience.
"Sana matuloy 'to," she added.
Diaz shared this as she highlighted how Filipinos are "capable of serving our country and making history."
"Sa inyong mga magtatapos, kayo ang mga bagong bayani ng ating panahon. Kayo ang magbibigay ng pagbabago at pag-unlad sa ating lipunan. Bukod sa pangsariling paglago, lagi rin nating isipin kung paano tayong magbigay ng kontribusyon sa bayan," she said.
"Gamitin ninyo ang inyong kaalaman at kakayahan para sa ikakabuti ng lahat. Tandaan niyo, ang tunay na lakas ay hindi lamang sa pagbuhat ng mabibigat na bagay, kung 'di sa pagtutulungan at paglilingkod sa kapwa. Kaya naman, sana tayong lahat ay magtutulungan at maglilingkod sa baya, dahil tayo ay malakas at matatag," she continued.
Prior to her possible teaching role at UP, Diaz had already expressed a desire to share her knowledge as an accomplished athlete with others through establishing her own training camp in Rizal.
"Nais ko lang banggitin na may naipundar ako ng maliit na training camp sa Jala-jala, Rizal. Dito, nagsasanay ako ng kabataan na nais matuto ng weightlifting at magbibigay rin ng karangalan sa kanilang pamilya at sa bayan," she said.
"Maaring minsan, magsama ako ng ilan sa inyo para tulungan ako, tumulong sa mga kabataan na matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap sa sports," she told the graduates.
Diaz made history as the first Filipino athlete—and a woman at that—to win a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for the women’s 55 kg category.
Despite missing the chance to return to the Olympics in 2024 for the fifth time in a row, she emphasized that it's not the end of the road for her as an athlete.
"I will still lift, continue to lift, and inspire young Filipino Athletes to become Olympic Champions," she said.
"Winning is not everything; it is being on the platform and taking on the challenges that give inspiration to other athletes," she continued. "I served and will continue to serve my purpose in weightlifting, as I inspire many athletes to dream high, take the challenge, and work hard to achieve their dreams and never give up."
