Led by Margielyn Didal, Pinoy skateboarders eye 8-gold sweep

SKATEBOARDING was a relatively underground sport in the country until Margielyn Didal’s golden finish in the 2018 Asian Games.

From then on, more attention has shifted to the sport, especially since the Southeast Asian Games, to be hosted locally, welcomed its inclusion.

With a chance to showcase its prowess, the Philippines national skateboarding team promised not to disappoint hometown fans.

According to Monty Mendigoria, president of the Skateboarding and Roller Sports Association

of the Philippines, the sport’s national governing body is targeting a sweep of the eight gold medals at stake at the Games.

“With our preparation, we are aiming to win all gold medals at stake for skateboarding,” Mendigoria told ABS-CBN News.

Didal will lead a cast of US and foreign-raised Filipino athletes at the SEA Games.

According to Mendigoria, Didal, Jericho Francisco and Daniel Ledermann are competing in Brazil for the final Olympic ranking competition for 2019. The athletes will then fly to

Manila in time for the SEA Games.

The downhill team, meanwhile, is in the Philippines and training under world champion Harry Clarke.

“They are undergoing a series of drills, physical and mental exercises in time for the Games,” Mendigoria said.

Four events to be played each by the men and women are on tap at the SEA Games, namely street, park, game of skate, and downhill.

Events will be held in Tagaytay from Dec. 3 to 8. ABS-CBN News