With new skatepark, Margielyn Didal intensifies build up for Tokyo bid

PH skater Margielyn Didal is looking to a punch a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/RED BULLS

MANILA, Philippines—Olympic hopeful Margielyn Didal now has the opportunity to train on a skatepark she designed herself in preparation for competitions leading to Tokyo.

The 2018 Asian Games gold medalist saw the completion of the custom-built skatepark located in Soul Sierra in Cebu, inspired by Red Bull facilities in the United States.

“It’s a great way to efficiently maximize the potential of an athlete. It’s just a great facility to practice in instead of us spending the money and effort to travel to another country,” said Carl Sambrano, President of the National Skateboarding Association.

“Regionally, the Philippines is number one. We have the most medals than any other country, in both men’s and women’s.

Didal and the rest of the national skateboarding team are preparing for competitions that will be held in the United States and Europe as they hope to punch their ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

PH skater Margielyn Didal trains in the new skatepark in Cebu. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/RED BULL

“It’s such an honor to be one of the skateboarders to represent the Philippines. I’m really hyped,” said Didal. “I still can’t believe I have my very own skatepark. It’s a dream come true.”

Although the Philippines is still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Didal and her teammates are allowed to practice after getting approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Didal burst into national consciousness when she won the gold medal in the street competition of the 2018 Asian Games. She also added two more titles when she competed in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Before representing the Philippines in the continental and regional field, Didal already built a name in the sport after becoming the first Filipino to participate in the X Games.