Hidilyn Diaz achieves dream of pursuing a culinary course
Gold-winning Olympian Hidilyn Diaz adds another feather to her cap as she pursues her culinary dreams.
The weightlifter shared her most recent feat of completing a fundamental culinary class at the Center of Culinary Arts Manila on Instagram.
"It's been my dream to learn how to cook properly and take culinary courses since 2013, when I was preparing to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. After winning a silver medal in Rio, I didn't pursue the course because I couldn't find culinary programs that would allow me to also prepare for Tokyo 2020," Hidilyn wrote.
In an Instagram Reel, the Olympian gave a glimpse of her culinary journey, learning to finely chop vegetables, debone fish, and prepare other dishes.
"In 2025, I told myself I would finally do the things I've always wanted to do," she said, adding that she's "really enjoying" learning to cook.
In another post, Hidilyn shared that the course helped her appreciate the art of cooking and chefs.
"Every day, iba't iba natututunan ko," the Olympian shared. She added that she hopes to use her skills for her upcoming business in Jalajala, where she also opened a weightlifting academy in July 2024.
In a vlog, Hidilyn's husband Julius Naranjo said that the weightlifter has wanted to pursue culinary arts for a while.
In 2023, Hidilyn graduated from college with a degree in Business Administration Major in Management at the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.
