Despite being underfunded and even red-tagged by the Duterte government, Hidilyn Diaz triumphed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and bagged the Philippines’ first ever gold medal in the most prestigious sports event in the world.

For the first time ever, the Philippine national anthem is played in the Olympics after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country's first ever gold medal in the Games. #Tokyo2020 #GalingNatinIto

📸Edgard Garrido, Reuters

Full story: https://t.co/24xOUTctOW pic.twitter.com/eepWgscmrn

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) July 26, 2021

Hidilyn also set a new Olympic record in the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition after her final 127kg lift bested China’s world record holder Liao Qiuyun. It ended the country’s 97 years of drought for an Olympic gold.

Never forget the time Hidilyn Diaz begged for sponsorship to support her needs. Now, look at her bragging the first gold medal for the Philippines!!! 👏🏻👏🏻✨ A woman. Dedicated to her sports. She is indeed the moment. Congratulations, Miss Hidilyn! We are proud of you. MABUHAY KA! pic.twitter.com/dShNC71VLE

— Zeke (@zekemartinx) July 26, 2021