The Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy (HDWLA) in cooperation with Eleiko and TheRack.Co, today announced the release of “Lifting Makes Me Lift Others”, a short film chronicling the journey of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her mission to train the next generation of empowered Filipino Weightlifters.
The film traces Diaz’s path from her early days in weightlifting, through her historic Olympic triumph, and the challenges that followed, including a story she’s told for the first time—the struggle of not qualifying for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. It culminates in her renewed sense of purpose: training the next generation of Filipino lifters and shaping a legacy that extends far beyond her own competition career.
Screenshot from “Lifting Makes Me Lift Others”
The five-minute short showcases the picturesque Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy facility in Jala Jala, Rizal, the training with Coach Julius Naranjo, and candid moments from Diaz’s work with young athletes. Produced in collaboration with Eleiko, the global leader in strength sports equipment, and TheRack.Co, the Philippines’ authority in strength training equipment, the project highlights the shared commitment to performance, community, and the future of the sport.
“I’m a public figure now. It’s not about the medal, it’s about the responsibility,” shares Hidilyn. With her 23 years of Weightlifting experience, she aims to equip young athletes with knowledge, empowerment, and the belief in oneself that the sport brings.
Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jala Jala Rizal. Screenshot from “Lifting Makes Me Lift Others”
Screenshot from “Lifting Makes Me Lift Others”
TheRack.Co General Manager, Ken Tan, talks about the unique story that both Hidilyn and Eleiko have in the film. “Eleiko, manufacturing the best strength sports equipment in the world since 1957, while Hidilyn Diaz, a Weightlifter and the first Olympic gold medalist of the Philippines… both of them have built their respective legacies, and we want to celebrate this by bringing them together in one film.”
“Lifting Makes Me Lift Others” will be available for public viewing beginning September 17, 2025, on official social media platforms and select screening events hosted by the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy and TheRack.Co.
The release underscores a growing movement within the Philippine Weightlifting community to provide not only global competition-standard equipment but also to uplift the sport and its athletes, and to provide mentorship and opportunities for aspiring lifters. To further this movement, the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy, Eleiko Education, and TheRack.Co are putting together a Weightlifting Exhibition Competition set to be staged in January 2026.
Screenshot from “Lifting Makes Me Lift Others”
Watch “Lifting Makes Me Lift Others” below:
About Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy
The Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy is dedicated to developing Weightlifting talent, particularly from the grassroots in the Philippines through gold standard coaching, proper facilities, and community-driven programs.
About Eleiko
Founded in Sweden in 1927, Eleiko is the world-leading manufacturer of strength training equipment, including Weightlifting and Powerlifting, and is renowned for its quality, precision, and durability used in thousands of elite competitions and facilities worldwide.
About TheRack.Co
TheRack.Co is the Philippines’ trusted source for global-standard strength training equipment, providing strength training athletes and enthusiasts, home gym and commercial training facilities tools, and expert guidance.
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