Real-life weightlifting fairy and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo just reached another milestone in her career as an athlete: her soon-to-rise Weightlifting Academy. On November 5, Diaz-Naranjo spearheaded the groundbreaking of HD Weightlifting Academy (HDWLA) in Sitio Manggahan, Jala-jala, Rizal.
Hidilyn has always been vocal about wanting to have a weightlifting academy. And now that her dream is slowly coming to life, she can’t help but feel more #fitspired for the upcoming Olympic Games next year.
Academy for Muscle Hustle
Located in the heart of the 7,000 sqm land owned by Diaz-Naranjo and her swole mate turned husband Julius Naranjo, the projected 108 sqm bungalow-type outreach gym will have four training platforms, each capable of accommodating eight trainees at most, simultaneously.
Julius will serve as the facility’s pioneer coach and trainer. Just last year, the weightlifting couple started training kids aged 5-17 years old in an improvised gym inside a garage. The academy is expected to be finished by the second quarter of 2024, with hopes of expanding and sustaining the facility with the help of sponsors.
Weightlifting Fairy Godmother
“With all the blessings that I earned and received, I have to give back to the community,’’ the weightlifting champ shared during their groundbreaking ceremony.
HDWLA will not solely focus on lifting bars, but also on lifting the spirits and hopes of its future trainees. Naranjo clarified that the apprentices would not spend all of their time on weightlifting; they would also be required to pursue their education as well.
“It’s a requirement. Sometimes we provide scholarships to help them become good citizens that will eventually lead to a better life for their families,’’ said Diaz-Naranjo who recently finished her business management degree in St. Benilde in the midst of her busy weightlifting career.
Paris Olympics ‘24 preps
The weightlifting facility will also serve as the training ground for the weightlifting heroine’s fifth bid in the Paris Olympics next year. Training with Hidilyn is her 19-year-old mentee, Rosegie Ramos, who eyes to also represent the Philippines in the said global athletic games.
“We can’t wait to see, hopefully, after four months, from the temporary gym to our soon-to-be training camp preparing for the Paris Olympics, and joining us the soon-to-be weightlifting champions,” the Olympic gold medalist said.
