Philippines’ First Gold Medal in over a Century won inside one of the representative landmarks of Tokyo

July 27, 2021

|

By 

Miguel Adiarte

There are a lot of reasons for people to notice Japan, particularly Tokyo. It can be because of their beautiful tourist attractions, the delicious cuisine they offer, or even the variety of high-quality art that they are able to produce for the world to bask in.

Tokyo Internatinoal Forum
Photo courtesy of:https://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/en/about/architecture/

Nowadays, more eyes are on them and this time it is for a very special occasion which is none other than the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This event started a couple of days ago and within the first few days, with the hard work and dedication of Hidilyn Diaz, has put herself and our country into the history books by bringing home the very first Philippine gold medal from the Olympics in over a century for the sport of weightlifting.

Hidilyn Diaz
Photo courtesy of Olympics.com

Everyone in the country has probably seen the thrilling and amazing video of Hidilyn Diaz winning it all in her event when she perfectly lifted her career-best 127kg clean and jerk. It was certainly something that people will be talking about for the years to come which is why even the smallest details should be engraved in our memories. Out of the 13 astounding gymnasiums that Japan has prepared for all the events of the Olympics, the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal win in over 100 years was obtained in the Tokyo International Forum.

Tokyo forum
Photo courtesy of:https://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/en/about/architecture/
Tokyo forum
Aerial Shot of Tokyo Forum Courtesy of Tokyoforum.com
Tokyo forum
Conceptual Plan of Architect Rafael Viñoly Courtesy of Tokyoforum.com
Tokyo forum
Conceptual Plan of Architect Rafael Viñoly Courtesy of Tokyoforum.com
Tokyo forum
Conceptual Plan of Architect Rafael Viñoly Courtesy of Tokyoforum.com
Tokyo forum
Conceptual Plan of Architect Rafael Viñoly Courtesy of Tokyoforum.com
Tokyo forum

It only seems right that history was made here instead of any other gym for this Olympics because this structure is best known for being one of the most daring structures ever built in Japan due to its intricate design. This design was created by Rafael Viñoly of Viñoly Architects and he envisioned this 11 story structure composed of two intersecting 60-meter high glass walls into fruition

Japan’s structures have always been jaw-dropping to see in real life and if we can associate these wonderful places with historic Philippine gold medals or even neck-to-neck competitions by our very own athletes, it will surely be an even sweeter experience to see in real life once this is all said and done. For now, let us continue to do our part and cheer on our Philippine team as they battle with the world’s best to show and prove that we belong on this world-class stage as well.

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]