Filipinos defended Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz against criticisms regarding her qualifications to become a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Diliman, following reports about her teaching stint.
The weightlifting wonder recently completed a four-day Teaching Effectiveness Course (TEC) on campus in preparation for teaching two Physical Education weightlifting classes in the second semester of Academic Year 2025–2026.
Hidilyn said that attending the TEC gave her a better idea of how she would handle a class.
She also hopes to integrate weightlifting into a broader Philippine sports education program and is eager to foster creativity and efficiency in her new learning environment.
“I want to educate more people para mas maraming makaintindi ng weightlifting, kasi ang weightlifting ay regular event na sa Palarong Pambansa,” she previously said.
RELATED: ‘I want to educate more people’: Hidilyn Diaz now a PE teacher at UP Diliman
Reports of Hidilyn’s teaching stint reached an alumni community of UP, with a Facebook user questioning the Olympian’s merit to teach.
“I’m confused. She will be teaching PE 2, Weightlifting. She only attended a 4-day course, paano naman ‘yung mga kilala ko na M.A. [Master of Arts] Graduates in CHK [College of Human Kinetics]??!!!” a Facebook user said in a group.
“Baka dapat sa CHK Summer Classes [siya] magturo! Pleaseeeeeee, any UP Professors here, enlighten me on this,” the Facebook user added.
Several Filipinos in the group chimed in to defend Hidilyn, noting that she brings extensive real-world experience to the classroom.
“You get an ‘Olympic personal coach’ in a classroom setting. It’s the how to get there mentality. One time, Fonterra had a guest speaker, a team manager of the most successful rugby union team (Crusaders), sharing their principles [with] a global brand for financial success. UP is just trying to produce champions in [its] students,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Let’s not snub those who are gifted just because they didn’t go through the traditional formal education route. She has proof of her expertise; what more do we want?” another commented.
“I know a lot of musicians who have trained for years, but can’t even write a song, and put music on poetry; but there are those who can’t even read notes, yet make the most beautiful songs or place music onto poems. Usually, the gifted don’t need much formal education for the skill(s) with which they’re gifted,” the Facebook user said.
“Sa school lang ba natututo ang tao? Kanino mo gusto matuto ng business? ‘Yung graduate ng business management? O ‘yung nakapagpalago ng successful business? Pwdeng both,” another Pinoy wrote.
“Pero unquestionably, dun sa practical na nakapag palaki ng business niya. Ibabalangkas na lang niya ‘yung mga principles kasabay ng personal experience niya. Eh ‘yung ang alam lang eh, ‘yung galing sa libro, anong matuturo niya na hindi mo pwedeng matutunan sa libro?” the Pinoy added.
Another Facebook user highlighted Hidilyn’s academic and career background.
“Her qualifications for this role are based on her academic background, elite professional expertise, and recent pedagogical training,” the Facebook user said, going on to share additional information about the athlete.
“Academic Degree: She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Management from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, which she completed in 2023,” the Facebook user added.
“Elite Expertise: As the Philippines’ first Olympic Gold Medalist (Tokyo 2020) and a World Champion (2022), she possesses world-class expertise and international recognition in weightlifting. She was involved in the sports since she was 11 years old,” the Facebook user said.
“Specialized Training: In preparation for her teaching stint, she completed the Teaching Effectiveness Course (TEC) from January 12 to 15, 2026. This course, conducted by the UPD Office for the Advancement of Teaching, is designed to equip new faculty members with effective class management and pedagogical strategies,” the Facebook user continued.
“Mentorship Experience: Prior to joining UP, she gained significant experience mentoring young athletes through the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy. International Education: She has also pursued further studies in sports ethics, including a short course at KU Leuven in partnership with the International Olympic Committee in late 2024,” the Facebook user said.
In October 2025, Hidilyn revealed that she wanted to fulfill her “dream” of creating a curriculum to promote and popularize weightlifting.
ALSO READ: Hidilyn Diaz pursues dream of teaching as she joins UP Diliman faculty
“I’m excited and nervous, but ready to give my best. I love weightlifting, and I’ll keep doing my best to grow and share the sport I love,” the athlete previously said.
When asked why she wanted to venture into teaching, Hidilyn said, “Because I want to keep learning, and I hope my students will learn from me too.”
She made history in Philippine sports as the first Filipino, and first Pinay, to win an Olympic gold medal, achieving the feat at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
