MANILA, Philippines – Margielyn Didal bagged the Philippines’ 4th gold medal at 2018 Asian Games women's skateboarding street event today, August 29.
The 19-year-old skater impressed the judges to score an amazing feat of 30.4 points. The silver medal was bagged by Isa Kaya of Japan who got a score of 25.0 points.
The daughter of a carpenter and a kwek-kwek vendor, Didal is overjoyed with the win. Seven years after Didal was discovered by coach Danny Bautista near the Concave Skate Park in Lahug, Cebu City where her mother was selling, the skater’s life is about to change. She is set to receive up to P6 million in cash incentives from the government and private patrons. Didal said that she will be giving her winnings to her mother. She said, “Bibigay ko po sa nanay ko para makapagtayo kami ng small business.”
Considered a crowd favorite even before the competition, Didal said that her win was also a success for other Philippine skateboarders. She said, “I am very happy I did my best. Sobra ang saya po, lalung –lalo na sa mga skateboarders natin.”
Didal also wanted her success to make the public take more interest in skateboarding. She said, “Gusto ko rin na maipakita na skateboarding is a serious sport but can also be fun as well.”
Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas watched Didal’s winning performance and couldn’t help but praise her. He said, “I am blessed to witness this great event by a young girl, a carpenter’s daughter and former street kid, who did so well. Because of her hard work and belief in herself she is now where she is.”
Last May, Didal was the only Southeast Asian to be invited in the prestigious Street League championships in London.
With Didal’s win, the Philippine team moves up to 17th place in the medal tally with 4 gold and 13 bronze.
— Sally, The Summit Express
The 19-year-old skater impressed the judges to score an amazing feat of 30.4 points. The silver medal was bagged by Isa Kaya of Japan who got a score of 25.0 points.
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| Margielyn Didal wins Philippines’ 4th gold medal at the Asian Games Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Philippine Sports Commission |
The daughter of a carpenter and a kwek-kwek vendor, Didal is overjoyed with the win. Seven years after Didal was discovered by coach Danny Bautista near the Concave Skate Park in Lahug, Cebu City where her mother was selling, the skater’s life is about to change. She is set to receive up to P6 million in cash incentives from the government and private patrons. Didal said that she will be giving her winnings to her mother. She said, “Bibigay ko po sa nanay ko para makapagtayo kami ng small business.”
Considered a crowd favorite even before the competition, Didal said that her win was also a success for other Philippine skateboarders. She said, “I am very happy I did my best. Sobra ang saya po, lalung –lalo na sa mga skateboarders natin.”
Didal also wanted her success to make the public take more interest in skateboarding. She said, “Gusto ko rin na maipakita na skateboarding is a serious sport but can also be fun as well.”
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| Margielyn Didal is the new skateboarding champion in Asiad. |
Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas watched Didal’s winning performance and couldn’t help but praise her. He said, “I am blessed to witness this great event by a young girl, a carpenter’s daughter and former street kid, who did so well. Because of her hard work and belief in herself she is now where she is.”
Last May, Didal was the only Southeast Asian to be invited in the prestigious Street League championships in London.
With Didal’s win, the Philippine team moves up to 17th place in the medal tally with 4 gold and 13 bronze.
 |
| The Philippine team is now on the 17th ranking out of 33 teams | Photo Courtesy: Asian Games 2018 website |
— Sally, The Summit Express
