Didal rules Asian Games skateboarding for PH’s 4th gold medal

Margielyn Didal secured the Philippines’ fourth gold medal after conquering the women’s street skateboarding event in the 2018 Asian Games at JSC SkateBoard Stadium in Palembang.

Didal capped off her dominating performance with what looked like as an ollie that she transitioned into a heelflip in her fifth trick.

Margielyn Arda Didal of the Philippines (C) celebrates with her teammates after winning gold in the women’s skateboard street final during the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang on August 29, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Mohd RASFAN

The 19-year-old skater was unstoppable during the event, finishing with an average mark of 30.4 points, 5.4 more than silver medalist Isa Kaya of Japan who had 25.

“I am very happy I did my best,” said Didal, who hails from Cebu, of her historic win. “I wanted to show that skateboarding is a serious sport but can also be fun as well.”

Bunga Nyimas of host Indonesia took the bronze with 19.8 points.

Didal came into the Asian Games as a highly touted skater having competed in the XTreme Games in Minneapolis.

So far, all gold medals of the Philippines have come from women competitors.