I really wanted to push myself.
The Asian Championships are like the Olympics because the top 6 or top 8 are already here.
I have to sacrifice time with my family, sacrifice time with my friends, sacrifice time with studying... my work at the Philippines Air Force.
I'm happy when children join weightlifting and they get curious because that's how I started.
The pressure is high because of course... everyone's expecting me to win the gold medal in Tokyo.
I just tell myself to focus on the technique, focus on the work ahead.
I'm happy to see that more girls are going into weightlifting and aiming to become Olympic medalists as well.
I am hopeful that weightlifting will grow with more kids getting into the sport not just from Zamboanga City or Cebu but all over the Philippines who can become the next Hidilyn Diaz.
There are a lot of sacrifices. I know because I've won the silver in the Olympics.