Opinions
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Olympic Gold Hidilyn Diaz wins in Tokyo |
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Hidilyn Diaz holds aloft a record 127 kg to win first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines. (Screen grab from One Sports+) |
Hidilyn Diaz made history on July 26, winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines since entering the games in 1924.
The 4-foot-11-inch Zamboanga City native also set an Olympic record in the women’s 55kg weightlifting class by hefting a total of 224 kilograms in the 2020 Tokyo games.
In a dramatic finish, Diaz defeated the world record holder, Liao Qiuyun of China, who had lifted a total of 223 kg – 97 kg in the snatch and 126 kg in the clean and jerk.
Diaz also recorded 97 kg in the snatch after failing in her 99 kg attempt. To win gold she had to lift at least one more kilogram than Liao in the clean and jerk. For her final attempt Diaz declared 127 kilograms – a weight she had never lifted before. Diaz staggered for a moment after lifting the barbell to her shoulders, then thrust the weight above her head and held it there for the required length of time.
IRCC to accept up to 30,000 additional applications
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept up to 30,000 additional applications, giving more Canadians and permanent residents the opportunity to bring their loved ones to Canada.
“The importance of family has never been clearer than during the pandemic... by strengthening the Parents and Grandparents Program, inviting a record number of sponsors to apply, and by adjusting our requirements to adapt to the current times, we are once again proving our commitment to helping Canadian families stay together, and thrive together," said IRCC Minister Marco E. L. Mendicino.
COVID-19 Bulletin #499 • August 3, 2021
Public health officials advise three new deaths in people with COVID-19 are being reported today. This includes deaths reported on the weekend:
• a male in his 60s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the B.1.1.7 (alpha) variant of concern;
• a male in his 60s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to an unspecified variant of concern; and
• a male in his 80s from Southern Health–Santé Sud health region, linked to an unspecified variant of concern.