From Europe to US Cebu’s pride Didal braces for X-Games

CEBU, Philippines — After her rousing debut on the international stage via the Street League Skateboard (SLS) last month in United Kingdom, decorated Cebuana skateboarder Margielyn Didal embarks on another tough challenge as she brings her act to the ESPN X-Games on July 19-22 at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

During the prestigious SLS participated in by the world’s best skaters last May 26 in London, England, Didal placed fourth in the preliminaries and eight overall in the final round, a modest finish for a first timer in a top-level overseas competition.

The extreme sport star from Lapu-Lapu City may not have made it to the podium but etched her name in stone as first Philippine representative and only Asian competitor in the SLS.

Didal trains her sights next on the X-Games to further test her skills level against the best of the best in skateboarding across the United States and other parts of the globe.

After the X-Games, Didal will head to Pennsylvania for the Skate Training Camp to bolster her rigid preparations for the upcoming 18th Asian Games scheduled from August 18 to September 2 in Palembang, Indonesia.

Didal’s stirring exploits in skateboarding circuit is among the reasons why Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena has decided to put up a Skate Park in South Road Properties.

“It really feels great to be able to raise the Philippine flag in a competition abroad,” said Didal. “And for what I have achieved, I am proud and happy that finally the skateboarders now have a voice, that through this sport we can also bring honor and pride to our country even in major international competitions.”

What makes Didal even prouder is that she created an impact in the skateboarding community despite practicing only on the streets and makeshift skate parks.

Looking back at her humble beginnings, Didal could never forget the times when she took part in a series of skateboarding tournaments organized by sportsman Jeson L. Guardo of G-Concepts at a specially-designed skate platform in Barangay Tisa six years ago.

“We rarely have skateboarding competitions here. That is why the tournaments organized by Sir Jeson (Guardo) in Tisa some years back mean a lot to us,” recalled Didal. “As for me, it was really a big help not only in harnessing my skills but also in boosting my confidence.”

Now it’s payback time for Didal as she will showcase her wares in the fourth leg of the Draven Skate-Up Siomai Festival on September 23 at the Tisa gym.

More than being a top contender, Didal yearns to inspire other skaters to believe in themselves that through skateboarding, unpopular as it may seem to others, they can carve their own niche in the world of sports.