Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo is truly the Philippines’ weightlifting fairy, bringing her genius to Jala-Jala, Rizal and turn it into the ultimate destination for future weightlifting stars through a “world-class” gym.
The Olympic champion recently celebrated the groundbreaking of her upcoming HD Weightlifting Academy, a powerhouse of dreams that will rise on a 108-square meter property that she and husband Julius Naranjo own in Sitio Manggahan.
“I have to give back to the community what I have learned. This is very significant for me because it’s the start of something that we are doing or the beginning of what we are trying to achieve,” Hidilyn said in an interview with Business Mirror.
Building a weightlifting academy has been her longtime dream as part of her contribution to nation-building.
“Children’s lives gain direction with sports and education, so it’s truly nation-building,” she told the Inquirer in a previous interview.
She also tries to break the mold, emphasizing that weightlifting knows no size or age as long as there’s love for the sport, coupled with hard work and a commitment to education.
“Every day kids who want to train come along. But not everyone is able to survive the training, especially about discipline and commitment. No extra-curricular activities and vices,” she pointed out.
Emphasizing the importance of education, the academy will not only focus on building those muscles but also molding minds. At her gym, trainees will not only pump iron but also hit the books.
Hidilyn believes in creating well-rounded individuals, saying, “so they become good citizens as they balance their studies and sports.”
