Weightlifter Diaz carries hopes of her home and country

The women' s 53kg weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines developed her strength and muscles by carrying water in her childhood and became the first lifter from her country to participate in three consecutive Olympics.

"My family was so poor when I was a kid that every day I had to get water from the village water supply far from my house and carried it back, many hundred meters," Diaz said.

"Sometimes I would sell it to make money. It was many gallons at a time and that's how I developed my strength and muscles."

The 25-year-old Diza was the first female weightlifter to compete for the Philippines at the Olympic Games at Beijing 2008 and she also competed in the London Olympics in 2012.

She kept her momentum in 2015 as she won the bronze medal with a total of 213kg in the world weightlifting championships in Huston, U.S.

Diaz, an airwoman second class in the Philippines air force by day, has four brothers and one sister and credits her family for her success.

"My family is really excited about me competing at the Olympic Games again, especially my mother who prays every night."

As the countdown continues to her event on Sunday, Diaz' s Olympic experience is becoming increasingly emotional.

"It's a long time and it puts a lot of pressure on, but this is the Olympics and I am both nervous and excited." Endit