Time for recovery as Margielyn Didal eyes Paris Olympics

Philippines’ Margielyn Arda Didal reacts after her first run in the skateboarding women’s street final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Sports Park in Tokyo on July 26, 2021. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Margielyn Didal is setting her sights for the 2024 Paris Olympics following a memorable campaign in Tokyo.

Placing seventh overall in the women’s street, Didal was the only Southeast Asian to qualify for the final and she wants to continue representing the Philippines in the next Olympiad.

“The Olympics in Paris is the next goal, but now we’re focused on making sure Margie recovers and gets to compete at all the qualifying events,” said Skate Pilipinas head coach Dani Bautista in a virtual press conference.

Didal will have a busy few months ahead of her, though, if she wants to get to Paris.

The Street League in Utah, while not an Olympic-related event, will be at the end of August and it would give Didal an avenue to get more skate time following Tokyo.

There’s also the Queen of Macba in Barcelona later this year and also the 2022 Asian Games in China where Didal is the reigning gold medalist in women’s street.

Didal will also look to recover from her ankle injuries that she sustained while training in Los Angeles that led to her performing in pain during Tokyo.

“Since we left Tokyo, so far, I can still walk but it still hurts a little but I can’t wait to go home to Cebu to undergo PT (Physical Therapy) and see my family,” said Didal.

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