Why her? Hidilyn Diaz ‘fully qualified’ for teaching stint at UP

MANILA, Philippines – Olympic weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz is “fully qualified” to teach at the University of the Philippines Diliman, the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) guaranteed after concerns on her credentials were raised. 

Diaz assumes a new role as she handles two Physical Education sections in weightlifting for the second semester of academic year 2025-2026. 

“The College of Human Kinetics affirms that Ms. Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo underwent the standard application and evaluation process required of all lecturers at UP CHK,” the college said in a statement posted by dean Molly Mallari on Facebook on Thursday, January 22. 

“She met all institutional requirements and was found to be fully qualified based on her academic credentials, expertise, and contributions to Philippine sport.” 

News of Diaz taking her act to the classroom received generally positive reactions, although one member of a UP alumni group on Facebook expressed confusion on her teaching stint, arguing that there are other qualified candidates who graduated from the CHK with a master’s degree.

But other members were quick to defend Diaz, saying the weightlifting heroine possesses substantial experience and practical know-how in the sport that trump any academic accolade. 

Diaz, 34, boasts of a stellar competitive career spanning over two decades highlighted by two Olympic medals: a historic gold in 2020 Tokyo and a silver in 2016 Rio de Janeiro. 

She won gold medals in the World Weightlifting Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Weightlifting Championships as well. 

Aside from being an athlete, Diaz also serves as coach at her HD Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal, where she and husband Julius Naranjo guide the next generation of Filipino weightlifters.

To prepare for her teaching job, Diaz completed a four-day Teaching Effectiveness Course (TEC) at the UP School of Economics. 

“Her attendance at the TEC reflects her proactive engagement in her new faculty role and highlights her commitment to upholding academic integrity and high standards of instruction and service,” the CHK said. 

Diaz has worn many hats in her mission to get weightlifting more exposure.

In 2025, she served as weightlifting tournament director in the Palarong Pambansa and as torchbearer in the Batang Pinoy before she returned to competitive action in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where she finished fourth. – Rappler.com