“As an opponent, I really respect Diaz, because she has done the best she can, in fact, better than that, that is the ultimate,” Liao said.
“She did better, which is a good thing for everyone who supports her.”
Diaz, known as “Heidi”, has a huge social media following in her home country, and this follower will grow.
As news of her victory spread, the Internet platform immediately turned her into a hot topic on Twitter in the country, preempting President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Union speech.
“Congratulations, Sergeant Shidilin Diaz!” The Philippine Armed Forces tweeted that the weightlifter enlisted.
Vice President Lenny Robredo said: “A great victory for the Philippines!! Thank you for making us proud, Hidilyn.”
Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Rock congratulated Diaz for “bringing pride and glory to the Philippines.”
