Coming from a family comprising four generations of weightlifters, Hidilyn Diaz always seemed destined for the sport.Yet, at her lowest point two years ago after a series of unfortunate events -- including the loss of her coach and injury -- she almost call it quits after losing her motivation.Faced with the choice of giving it all up or buckling down and continuing to pursue her dream, Diaz chose the path of greater resistance when others might have shown less resolve.In August this year, her decision proved to be the right one when she ended Philippines 20-year Olympic medal drought by winning silver in the womens 53kg division in Rio de Janeiro.There is no doubting that Diaz has displayed tremendous perseverance, desire and resilience to achieve her goals. Sometimes, however, having faith that everything will fall into place in the end can also be crucial.I surrendered everything to God, said the 25-year-old in an interview with Inquirer. I asked him to send me the Holy Spirit so I can do what needs to be done. When God gave me the chance to compete in the Rio Olympics, I thought that He gave me the chance and I needed to give it my all.Remarkably, on that fateful Aug. 7 afternoon, Diaz had been celebrating what she initially thought was a bronze medal.She was already huddled away in a corner praying and giving thanks for the achievement when she was informed by an opposition coach that she had, in fact, finished in second place.The third time clearly proved to be the charm for Diaz, given she had twice before competed at the Olympic Games.While she may have finished second to last at Beijing 2008, she had been the youngest competitor in the 58kg category at the age of 17. Four years later, she was the flag bearer for Philippines in London, although she failed to record a score in the clean and jerk.While she now can proudly call herself an Olympic medalist, Diaz has had to overcome her fair share of resistance along her journey.In order to focus on her sporting dream, she was forced to sacrifice her studies, having initially been pursuing a computer science degree.Diaz remains the main breadwinner -- she holds the rank of airwoman first class in the Philippine Air Force -- for her family despite being the fifth of six children.Having realized her own dreams, Diaz also aims to help the next generation of aspiring athletes do the same. The Zamboanga City native planned to build a gym using the cash incentive awarded by the government for her Olympic feat.Diaz hopes eventually to become a coach herself, training, guiding and inspiring future Olympians.Bringing to them a new hope. 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At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. TROY, Ala. -- The Arkansas State Red Wolves used big plays, smothering defense and a well-executed gamble to prove they are still the team to beat in the Sun Belt Conference.Chris Humes caught a 31-yard pass on a fake punt and recovered a fumble in the end zone to help Arkansas State upset Troy 35-3 on Thursday night.The Red Wolves (6-4, 6-0) gained the inside track for a fifth league title in six years after starting the season 0-4.Four days earlier, Troy (8-2, 5-1; No. 25 AP) had become the first ranked Sun Belt team after winning seven straight games. But the leagues top scoring offense committed five turnovers and couldnt reach the end zone.We took it very, very personally, said Arkansas State defensive end Chris Odom, who forced the fumble that led to Humes touchdown. Top 25, they thought they were already No. 1 in the conference. They felt like they had already won the Sun Belt title.Well, they had to go through us tonight and we showed them how we play.Arkansas State has won 15 straight conference games. The first Sun Belt team to start 8-1, Troy scored first but wound up losing to the Red Wolves for the fourth straight year.They came in here as champions and theyre leaving as champions, Trojans coach Neal Brown said. We havent earned that yet.Humes had a big role in two straight touchdowns. Arkansas State turned a fake punt into a 7-3 halftime lead. Cam Echols-Luper took the punt snap and hit a wide open Humes, who raced down the left sideline to inside Troys 10.Three plays later, Justice Hansen hit a leaping Kendall Sanders in the back of the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown. The Red Wolves at one point had more punts (7) than complettions (6).ddddddddddddHumes recovered a fumble in the end zone on the first play of the second half after Odom knocked the ball loose from quarterback Brandon Silvers. It was one of many plays by the defense that Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson said came up as big as you possibly can.That was about as complete a game defensively as you can play from beginning to end, Anderson said. They came up aces. We all knew they were capable of it.Hansen started slow but completed a few balls downfield in the second half. He finished 13 of 24 for 149 yardsSilvers was 20 of 39 for 207 yards with two interceptions. The Sun Belts leading rusher, Jordan Chunn, was limited to 51 yards on 16 carries.THE TAKEAWAYArkansas State: Has won 18 of its last 21 Sun Belt road games. Gained 126 yards in the first half and 262 in the second. JaVon Rolland-Jones tied the Sun Belt career record with his 26th sack.Troy: The Trojans had only lost four fumbles all season, but twice coughed up the ball in Arkansas State territory before halftime and fared worse the third time. An offense that came in averaging 474 yards and 38.1 points was held to 262 yards.QB PRESSURE: Troy allowed two sacks after coming in having given up a nations best three in nine games.POLL IMPLICATIONSThe Trojans had only a few days to celebrate being in the Top 25 , but are still having their best season in years.UP NEXTArkansas State faces Louisiana-Lafayette in the second of three straight Sun Belt road games.Troy visits Sun Belt opponent Texas State trying to regroup. ' ' '