Manila, Philippines, Jul 27, 2021 / 12:55 pm
Philippine Catholic bishops congratulated the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, not only for her victory but for her show of faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Diaz's triumph came in the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting event on July 26. She also set an Olympic record after lifting a combined weight of 224 kilograms.
After completing her final lift in a very close competition, Diaz held her hands to her face, burst into tears and clutched at her Miraculous Medal of the Blessed Virgin Mary hanging from her neck.
Hidilyn Diaz got two medals, the Olympic gold and the Miraculous Medal of Our Lady.
— Manila Cathedral (@CathedralManila) July 26, 2021
Congratulations and thank you for bringing honor to our country!#HidilynDiaz pic.twitter.com/rXwOiW0ZjK