PALEMBANG - Margielyn Didal lived up to the expectations and struck gold in the women's skateboard street competition at the 2018 Asian Games on Wednesday at the Skateboard Stadium in Jakabaring Sports City.
The 19-year-old skateboard sensation finished with a total score of 30.4, edging Japan and Indonesia to earn the top prize.
"I'm so happy!" she exclaimed as a throng of supporters, media members, and fellow skateboarders greeted her.
From her humbling beginnings in Cebu, the MVP Sports Foundation athlete has risen the worldwide ranks of the skateboard community with her skill, talent, and unique free-spirited personality.
She scored a 14.2 in her first two runs and never relinquished her lead in the tricks. In the tricks category, she executed in all her five attempts and got a score as high as 8.9. She didn't play safe but kept pushing herself, mirroring her lively attitude to execute more technical tricks.
Oh my goodness! Fourth trick from Didal! pic.twitter.com/fKOytYsZ1m
— Yoyo Sarmenta (@yo_sarmenta) August 29, 2018
She was relaxed and calm throughout the competition even if there was pressure surrounding her potential podium finish. She was chatting with her fellow competitors and hyping the crowd during her tricks.
"Just relaxed, happy, not even thinking about the pressure," she said smiling. Didal, of course, is no stranger to the bright lights having competed in the recent X- Games in the United States and various tournaments abroad.
"She's full of joy. She has the best personality. It's always fun and games with her," said coach Dani Bautista.
Next up for Didal is possibly an appearance in the Southeast Asian Games and other qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics.
"This (skateboarding) is big, not just in the Philippines, not just in Asia, but in the entire world," she shared. "Skateboard is fun. Skateboard should be everywhere!"
Didal has given the Philippines its fourth gold at the Asian Games and 17th medal overall.