Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is stepping into a new arena: the classroom.
The Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medalist recently shared a glimpse of her new role as a lecturer at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Human Kinetics.
On March 12, 2026, she posted photos on Instagram showing her inside the university gym, where weightlifting equipment had been set up for her students.
In one photo, the decorated athlete stood beside a table and whiteboard inside the training facility, while another showed the barbells and weight plates prepared for the class.
In her caption, Hidilyn spoke about her decision to accept the opportunity to teach and pass on her knowledge of the sport to a new generation.
“I said YES to the calling to serve our nation through teaching weightlifting in UP CHK,” she wrote.
She also expressed hope that more Filipinos would develop a deeper appreciation for weightlifting through education and exposure to the sport.
“I hope weightlifting will be understood and loved by many Filipinos.”
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Hidilyn: Passing on knowledge to the next generation
The 35-year-old athlete used the post to thank the UP College of Human Kinetics for welcoming her as an instructor and giving her the opportunity to teach weightlifting to students.
“Thank you @updchksc for giving me the opportunity to teach weightlifting in UP,” she wrote.
She likewise acknowledged the support of the Philippine Sports Commission, which provided the necessary tools to be used in her physical education classes.
“And to @phil.sportscommission in the leadership of Chairman Pato for donating weightlifting equipment to UP for my PE weightlifting class,” Diaz added.
The donation allows students to train using proper facilities and equipment as they learn the fundamentals of the sport under the guidance of the Olympic champion herself.
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From Olympic champion to “Ma’am Hidilyn”
Hidilyn’s new role as an educator marks another chapter in her remarkable career.
The athlete made history during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when she delivered the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in weightlifting.
Since then, she has continued to promote the sport and inspire young athletes across the country.
Her appointment at UP Diliman was first announced earlier this year, when it was revealed that Hidilyn would be teaching weightlifting as part of the university’s physical education program.
With her new role, she is now combining her experience as a world-class athlete with her mission to help develop the next generation of Filipino lifters.
For her, teaching weightlifting goes beyond technique and competition. It is about helping more Filipinos understand the discipline, dedication, and values behind the sport.
And now, for the students of UP Diliman’s College of Human Kinetics, that lesson will come directly from the athlete who once lifted an entire nation to Olympic glory.
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