This was after Diaz successfully defended her women’s 55kg weightlifting crown at the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“Congratulations kay Hidilyn sa kanyang matagumpay na pagdepensa sa kanyang korona sa Hanoi SEA Games,” said Go.

“Ang tagumpay mo ay tagumpay ng ating bansang Pilipinas. Mabuhay ka, Hidilyn!” he added.

Hidilyn sent a video message to the senator, saying, “Thank you so much sa suporta na binigay ninyo sa sports. See you soon!”

The Filipina Olympian lifted a total of 206kg during the event, with 92kg in the snatch and 114 kg in the clean and jerk. 

This is Hidilyn’s second gold in the SEA Games after clinching the first one in 2019.

Meanwhile, the senator also wished Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial good luck as the latter is set to battle for the gold medal in the Middleweight Boxing event this coming Sunday.

“Good luck rin po sa ating pambato na si Eumir Marcial sa kanyang laban para sa gold medal sa middleweight boxing division sa SEA Games,” Go said.

“Ako naman po ay tiwalang kakayanin niyang manalo at makuha ang gintong medalya para sa ating bayan. Dito lang po kami, full support po kami sa lahat ng ating mga atleta,” he added.