Cebu’s pride Didal makes Olympics debut today

CEBU, Philippines —  All eyes will be on Margielyn Arda Didal as the Cebuana skateboard sensation makes her highly anticipated Olympics debut today.

The pride of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City will see action in the women’s street event of skateboarding, which is also making its Olympic debut in Tokyo along with surfing, sport climbing and karate, at the Ariake Sports Park.

Didal, the golden girl in the inaugural skateboard competitions in both the Asian Games and the Southeast (SEA) Asian Games, eyes a piece of the spotlight but she must brace for an uphill battle against 19 other top female skateboarders of the world led by Pamela Rosa of Brazil, a world champion and two-time X Games gold medalist.

 Also in the mix are Rosa’s compatriots Rayssa Leal and Letícia Bufoni, Japan’s bets Aori Nishimura, Funa Nakayama, and Momiji Nishiya,Mariah Duran, Alana Smith, and Alexis Sablone of the United States, and Roos Zwetsloot, Candy Jacobs and Keet Oldenbeuving of The Netherlands.

Completing the list of contenders are Hayley Wilson of Australia, Wenhui Zeng of China, Lore Bruggeman of Belgium, Julia Brueckler of Austria, Charlotte Hym of France, Asia Lanzi of Italy, and Boipel Awuah of Russia.

They will compete four heats of five skaters by random draw starting at 7:30 am (Phl time). Competition consists of three 45-second runs. Only the best score of the three counts.

The top eight skaters overall (regardless of heat) will advance to the final set at 11:25 am.