The name Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo needs no introduction. Most Filipinos know who she is—a historic figure, having won the Philippines’ first gold medal in weightlifting in the Olympics; a trailblazer, who proved what Filipino athletes are capable of; and, of course, a national treasure, who turned a nation’s dream into reality.

But there won’t be a repeat for Diaz-Naranjo in the upcoming Paris Olympics. The weightlifter who took the torch from her is Elreen Ando, who competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Ando defeated Diaz-Naranjo in a showdown in the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, in April—a bittersweet moment for Filipinos who witnessed the sidelining of the Olympics legend and the rise of a new star.

Only one athlete per country can qualify in any weight division in the Olympics. With Diaz-Naranjo’s natural division of 55 kilograms scrapped from the competition, she was forced to move up to 59 kilograms, setting up a face-off against her protégé Ando.

“I was so happy that I got rank No.7 and my ticket for Paris,” Ando said of her victory in Thailand. “I had prepared for so long to return to the Olympics.”

In a perfect world, Ando would prefer to compete alongside her “Ate Hidi.” But then there is no such thing as a perfect world.

Though she was saddened to have caused her mentor’s shocking exit, Ando understands that she had to take care of business.

“Competing against Hidilyn, for me it’s not a conflict,” the 25-year-old Cebuana said. “We had the mindset that whoever qualifies between the two of us, the other one will fully support.” 

Unlike Diaz-Naranjo, Ando is still somewhat of an unknown factor. She is determined to change that as she again takes on the biggest stage in sports.

Nonstop training

Securing a spot in the Paris Olympics has inspired Ando to work even harder. She is aware, after all, that this could be the break she has been waiting for her entire life.

“When I went home to Cebu, I did not stop training,” she said. “We were all still training even if I spent a week in the province.” 

She said she understands that sacrifices have to be made in order to fulfill her dreams. “When I went to the province, I went there to see my family, my siblings,” she said. “But even then, I could not stop training.” 

On top of that, Ando makes sure that she gets sufficient rest and nutrition. She believes that these factors are as important to achieve tip-top condition.

“Discipline. It’s really about discipline,” she said when asked what she believes is the biggest key to success. “Discipline is important when it comes to training, diet, and having enough rest.”

In her father’s memory

Ando will fight for more than just national pride in the Paris Olympics. The weightlifter said she will be competing in the memory of her late father, Lupito Ando.

“Back then, when my papa was still alive, he was my No. 1 supporter,” she recalled. “Then he was gone. So I’m making sure I’m competing for him. This is for him and for my mama.” 

Win or lose, Ando believes that her father will be smiling down on her from above. “He was always proud of me, especially when I competed in Japan. He was extremely proud,” she said, fondly adding:

“When he found out that I qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, his blood pressure went up. That’s how happy he was. Now I miss that feeling, that my papa is always there to support me.”

Ando hopes that in Paris, the second time will be the charm. She missed out on the podium in Tokyo, but that’s exactly why she worked her way back into this position.

After collecting accolades in a number of Asia-wide competitions, Ando believes that she’s ready to take on the best the world has to offer. Asked what her goal is as she takes center stage in Paris, she nonchalantly replied, “A medal of any color will do.”

Read more: Filipino athletes at Asiad eye golds, ticket to 2024 Paris Olympics