Philippine Olympic gold medal winner thanked God and raised up her Miraculous Medal

The first gold medal ever won by a person from the Philippines. Hit the link for the rest of the interesting background story.

TOKYO (CNS) — Hidilyn Diaz became the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal winner, set an Olympic record — and thanked her friends who prayed the Miraculous Medal novena. In a virtual news conference, the 30-year-old said she also prayed the novena and wore the medal.

After winning July 26, the four-time Olympian praised God and lifted up Our Lady’s Miraculous Medal from around her neck while repeatedly shouting “Thank You, Lord,” reported the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines News. That gesture by Diaz went viral, CBCP News reported.

After her win in the women’s 55-kg weightlifting — she had an overall lift of 224 kilograms — more than 493 pounds — she told the virtual news conference about the Miraculous Medal.

“It is a sign of … my faith to Mama Mary and Jesus Christ,” she said.

She knew she'd won, even before the bar hit the ground.