Former Team Guam Olympian now coaching weightlifting for Philippines

Former Team Guam Olympic weightlifter Julius Naranjo is in Tokyo coaching Philippines athlete Hidelyn Diaz. Naranjo relocated to the PI in 2018 and started remote weightlifting with athletes.

Naranjo said, "We basically more so traveled abroad and we worked with other athletes from different countries. It was really interesting because I got to work with one of the best athletes from the Philippines and then I get to work with some of the best athletes from other countries. Just broaden my perspective of how I should adjust and how I should work with programming and how I should understand how elite weightlifters are in this setting."

Julius says it’s been challenging at times but worth the work he’s put into the athletes. With the Olympic Games pushed back a year the preparation was 5 years in the making.

Naranjo added, "It was quite challenging but I think the challenge was so that it gave us more time to be in the best shape. To kind of go through some of these struggles so that when we compete in the Olympics it would be more meaningful. Because of the challenges and everything we had to overcome to get here."

Hidelyn Diaz is an Olympic veteran who has competed in the Beijing Games in 2008, London in 2012 and was a silver medalist in Rio in 2016. Diaz was also the first female Olympian to win a medal for the Philippines ever.

Naranjo said, "Just being here in itself is so amazing. It reminds me of the time I traveled and represented Guam back on 2017 in the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games. People always said that this setting was like IMAG and what the Olympics would be. I’m starting to see it. Of course it’s different because everyone is wearing masks and we test everyday. Just following all of the precautions because of the general population of Japan not being very keen on having the Olympics. "

The goal for Tokyo is to win the Philippines first gold medal. Regardless of the outcome stepping onto the podium is something very attainable says Naranjo. Hidelyn is ranked #2 in the world right behind China’s top lifter.

Naranjo said, "Even if there are no spectators, the amount of pressure the Olympics brings is something that you don’t usually experience. First time Olympians usually get very nervous but Hidelyn is a veteran so she has all the experience. I think where we are right now in terms of preparation I think we have a very good chance. Our goals are very much attainable."

Naranjo said, "It was always a dream of mine to qualify for the Olympics for Guam. Things happen and here I am now. This journey was really tough and just to be able to step into Tokyo and to see my flag there I had to stop and take in that moment to really soak it in. Yes I’m the coach for the Philippines but I am Guamanian, I’m from Guam born and raised. I always represent my country and never forget your roots right. I am Filipino blood so I’m doing this for my father’s side and just trying to represent who I am and where I’m from. I want to do bug things for my country and for my island."