Hidilyn Diaz keynote speaker

Hidilyn Diaz is a sports hero in the Philippines. She is the first Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold medal, winning the women's 55 kg weightlifting competition in 2020. In the process, Diaz set the Olympic record in the event. She had previous success at the Olympics, capturing a silver medal in the 53 kg division in 2018. That made Diaz the first Filipino medalist in a non-boxing event since 1936.

She originally made her Olympic debut in 2008 as the youngest weightlifter in the 58 kg division. Diaz has also served as a Staff Sergeant in the Philippine Air Force. She has received both the Congressional Medals of Distinction and the Congressional Medal of Excellence.