Olympic hopeful Margielyn Didal eyes podium finish in world championships


Margielyn Didal

Filipina skateboarding sensation Margielyn Didal is looking to secure a podium finish in the Street Skateboarding World Championships in Rome, Italy.

Didal, who is now qualified to the semifinals, is on a mission to seal her spot in the Tokyo Olympics slated from July 23 to August 8.

"Being able to compete against the best of the world is definitely helping raise my own level,” said Didal, currently ranked No. 13 in the world and No. 3 in Asia. "I’m really excited to have qualified for the semifinals and hope to make it to the finals."

READ: Didal is 2020 Asia Skater of the Year

With around 200 skateboarders from more than 40 countries, the top three in both men's and women's events are set to qualify directly for the Tokyo Games. Skateboarding will make its debut event for the quadrennial meet

Didal, at the very least, must secure the Top 16 spot as the representative from Japan gets a direct slot as well for being the host country.

READ: Didal, PH skateboarders maximize training in custom-built facility in Cebu

The semifinals will kick off on June 4, Friday, and the finals will start on June 6, Sunday.

Last month, Didal settled for a semifinal finish at 12th place overall in the Dew Tour Des Moines 2021 held at Des Moines, Iowa.

READ: Olympic Channel pays tribute to Margielyn Didal, PH skateboarding scene