MANILA -- Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz conquered a new platform on Friday night when she walked the runway for a fashion show of an apparel brand at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Diaz, the first Filipino athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, was one of a handful of sports personalities who strutted down the catwalk at the Bench Body of Work event. In a twist, Diaz was lifted into the air by other models before she made her walk. At the end of the runway, the weightlifter flexed her muscles amid applause from the crowd.

"Empowering siya," said Diaz of the experience. 

"Nakaka-proud din na ito, ina-acknowledge ako sa pagka-panalo ko sa Olympics saka 'yung body ko as an athlete," she added.

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While she did not qualify for last year's Olympic Games in Paris, Diaz remains active in training and is hopeful that she can represent the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand later this year.

"There's a trial for that, for the SEA Games," said Diaz. "Kung mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon to represent our country, of course I will do my best for the Philippines."

However, there is another priority now for the 34-year-old athlete: she and husband Julius Naranjo are trying for their first child

"Sana mabuntis ako this year," Diaz said. "Kasi hindi naman ako bumabata."

In the meantime, Diaz is focused on promoting the inclusion of weightlifting in this year's Palarong Pambansa, having long advocated for her sport. 

"We're spreading the sport to all the regions," she said. -- report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News