Filipina skateboarding icon Margielyn Didal gets real on her next steps after falling short of an appearance in the Paris Olympics.
From a high in the Tokyo Olympics, Margielyn Didal’s meteoric rise would come crashing down in October 2022 with an unexpected injury. Competing in the Red Bull Skate Level in Brazil, the Cebuana fractured and dislocated her left ankle following an awkward landing from a guardrail grind.
Already affecting her performance in the competition, that injury also jeopardized Margielyn’s chances to book a ticket to the Paris Olympics. From being World No. 14 in Tokyo, Margielyn needed to work around a World No. 43 ranking heading into the City of Light.
Unfortunately, her road to Paris was met with a halt in the Dubai World Skateboarding Tour’s Street World Championship last February, where she finished 47th. Despite trying her hardest to rebound, Margielyn was unable to snag a ticket to Phase 2 of the Paris skateboarding qualifiers.
Yet instead of dwelling on the missed appearance, Margielyn is taking this period as an eye-opener of sorts.
“For sure, nanghinayang. But it happens for a reason and you have to think of some stuff,” Margielyn told reporters after the premiere of “Beyond the Board”, a documentary film that chronicles her skateboarding journey.
“May mga na-realize din ako, like spend time with family, sa jowa, sa dogs, and friends. Try to enjoy life din.”
Likewise, the Los Angeles Olympics is also out of Margielyn’s mind right now. On top of reconnecting with life, she just wants to be able to skate without the pressure again.
This is completely understandable for Margielyn Didal, who has been championing the flag with her board for quite some time now. On top of this, part of this journey had to be done on one good foot.
“Gusto ko lang i-enjoy, go on a trip. Wala ‘yung pressure and bigat na dinadala. Like, walang dapat gawin mo ‘to, dapat ganito. Gusto ko lang i-enjoy ‘yung skateboarding like how I used to love skateboarding,” Margielyn admits.
“Kasi parang nawala siya nung dapat gawin mo ‘to, kasi skateboarding is like being free and do how you like to do it.”
What’s next for Margielyn Didal?
During the premiere, Margielyn Didal admitted receiving an invite to the Summer X-Games in Ventura, California from June 27 to 30. However, as of writing, Margielyn has yet to confirm whether she’ll make it or not.
Should the X-Games fall through, Margielyn would shift her focus to “filming in streets” — quite literally just capturing scenes of her skating around.
Margielyn also shared that she received an invite to Paris as a spectator. While she wished to experience the “bigger” and crowd-filled experience, rest assured she’ll be cheering on her friends and peers in the Paris skateboarding tilts.
“Actually, in-invite ako kahit hindi ako nakapasok! They also invited me to go, to watch, like you know? To be in Paris in a different experience. So we’ll figure out the Visa…kung makapunta, sisigaw ako [to support them],” she said in jest.
“’Pag hindi [makapunta ng Paris] I’ll cheer on them from the house or kung saan mang sulok ako ng mundo.”
Banner Image from Margielyn Didal on Instagram.
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