Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach congratulates Hidilyn Diaz, Pinay silver medalist in Olympics 2016.
Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach took to social media to congratulate her fellow Mindanawon, Hidilyn Diaz, for becoming the first Filipina to win a medal in Olympic Summer Games.
Hidilyn as we know is the first Filipino female athlete to win a medal for the country in 20 years. She also hold the recognition for being the first athlete to win from Mindanao.
Wurtzbach posted on her Instagram account a photo of teary-eyed Diaz with a caption: “Finally! The Philippines gets its first Olympic medal since 1996 with Hidilyn Diaz bagging the silver medal for women’s weightlifting. And she’s also the first ever woman from the Philippines to win an Olympic medal! Mabuhay ka, Hidilyn!”
Wurtzbach and Diaz who joined their respective competitions thrice before getting their title share something in common as both women are from Mindanao. Wurtzbach hails from Cagayan de Oro, while Diaz is a native of Zamboanga City.
On Monday morning, (August 8, Manila time), the Filipina lifter registered a total of 200kg in the women’s 53kg to place second behind the gold medalist Hsu Shu-ching of Chinese Taipei and ahead of South Korea’s Yoon Jin-hee.
Aside from Wurtzbach, other showbiz personalities also extended their congratulatory message to Diaz.
Broadway star Lea Salonga cheered on Diaz, congratulating her on Twitter.
Anne Curtis tweeted: “Awesome news! Congratulations to Hidilyn Diaz who nabbed the SILVER medal for Olympic Weightlifting!!! Wooohoooo!! #TeamPhilippines.”
Former Olympian and actress Mikee Cojuangco- Jaworski, who is in Rio also congratulated Hidilyn for her win.
“The Philippines got SILVER!! Thank you Haidie!! Hidilyn Diaz, Women’s Weightlifting 53kg! Yes, you did it! Praise God talaga!”
Diaz is set to return to the Philippines and hero’s welcome is awaiting for her.
She will also receive P5 million cash incentive, as stated in the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives law or Republic Act 10699.