Manila Bulletin

Skateboard­er Didal trains in custom-built facility

- By CARLO ANOLIN

Filipina skateboard­ing sensation Margielyn Didal is maximizing her time and effort to train at her custombuil­t training facility in Soul Sierra, Cebu.

Didal is currently spending most of her training at the said skatepark, which was specifical­ly designed by Boots Brandon based on the Cebuana's preference­s following a rich experience overseas.

Surrounded by nature, the Red Bullfunded facility gave a fresher ambiance and vibe for Didal, who is on a mission to retain her world rankings and punch a ticket in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics,

"It’s such an honor to be one of the skateboard­ers to represent the Philippine­s. I’m really hyped!” said Didal. “I still can’t believe I have my very own skatepark. It’s a dream come true."

Carl Sambrano, president of the National Skateboard­ing Associatio­n and the Skateboard­ing and Roller Sports Associatio­n of the Philippine­s, lauded the facility for providing topnotch and innovative programs such as sports science department, physical therapy, evaluation of elite athletes, among others.

"It’s a great way to efficientl­y maximize the potential of an athlete.

It’s just a great facility to practice in instead of us spending the money and effort to travel to another country," said Sambrano.

Didal, who just turned 22 on April 19, is currently holed up in Cebu with fellow national team members in preparatio­n for American and European stints before formalizin­g her entry to the Olympics in July.

The multi-medalist Cebuana skater is also serving as one of the judges for the inaugural virtual "Red Bull Mind The Gap" contest, two weeks after being named as the 2020 Asia Skater of the Year in March.

 ??  ?? MARGIELYN DIDAL
MARGIELYN DIDAL

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