Filipina skateboarding sensation Margielyn Didal is maximizing her time and effort to train at her custom-built 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 Bull-funded facility gave a fresher ambiance and vibe for Didal, who is on a mission to retain her world rankings to 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 top-notch 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.
READ: Didal raring to compete in Olympic qualifiers despite possible outright berth
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.
READ: Didal tops 2 categories in regional awards
Seeded at No. 14 in world rankings and No. 3 in Asia, Didal is likely to join boxers Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam; gymnast Carlos Yulo; and pole vaulter EJ Obiena in the Tokyo Games should she maintain her good spot in the Olympic World Skateboarding Rankings (OSWR) until June 29.