MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In recognition of her hard work, passion, and sportsmanship best exemplified during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, AirAsia is awarding lifetime free flights to Olympic Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
Diaz conquered the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting competition on Tuesday, 26 July 2021 etching a historic first gold win for the Philippines which is about 97 years in the making.
This is the 2nd Olympic gold medal brought by the 30-year-old Zamboangena, the 1st during the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the same year, Diaz was awarded 5-year unlimited flights within the AirAsia route network.
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “We want all ASEAN to believe that they can always make it happen. Amidst challenges and struggles as we go forth with recovery, Hidilyn reminds us that no matter how heavy the weight we are carrying, inner strength, perseverance, and a heart of gold will help us power through.”
AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said, “We in AirAsia would like to congratulate Hidilyn for her wonderful achievement of representing our country and earning our very first Gold medal in the Olympics. We thank Hidilyn for being an inspiration to the Filipino people and for uplifting our spirits.
“Hidilyn is the perfect example of what it means to be an Allstar, by embodying AirAsia core values of Dreaming Big and Making it Happen. We thank her for reminding us that being the world’s best is second to serving the Filipinos. The Allstar family is one in celebrating with Hidilyn, and it is our great honor to serve her onboard.”
In an interview with AirAsia in 2018, Hidilyn shared personal and professional challenges she faced. But through all these, she says it’s important to look back at your dreams and never give up on them.