Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo held more than a torch on Thursday, September 18. She carried the weight of a nation’s Olympic history — and a message for the athletes chasing her legacy.

The Tokyo Games gold medalist served as a torchbearer in the relay heading toward the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games. For Diaz-Naranjo, the moment brought back memories of the win that changed Philippine sports forever.

Torch Relay Moment Revives Diaz-Naranjo’s Historic Olympic Run

Diaz-Naranjo, a 4-foot-11 weightlifter from Zamboanga City, delivered the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. Nagoya sits roughly 342 to 366 kilometers away by train, or about 384 kilometers by car.

Her win ended a 97-year national drought for the country’s ultimate prize. Witnesses described the achievement as historic and barrier-shattering, a feat that reshaped what Filipino athletes believed was possible on the world’s biggest stage.

Carrying the torch felt like a fitting reward for that COVID-delayed triumph. After completing her relay segment, she was greeted by Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino for a warm exchange.

Diaz-Naranjo Passes the Torch to the Philippines’ Next Generation

Diaz-Naranjo is hoping for another strong showing from Team Philippines in Nagoya, much like the run that carried her to gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. Her follow-up bid for continental glory fell short at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.

Still, her message to the current roster was simple and direct. “Keep the fire burning,” she said, framing the Games as a torch worth carrying forward.

That torch now passes to a stacked young core. Tennis phenom Alex Eala, double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, jiu-jitsu standout Annie Ramirez, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and the country’s loaded esports squad are all tasked with keeping the flame alive in Nagoya.