Olympic-bound skateboarder Margielyn Didal considers consistency as key for the successful execution of her tricks when she faces the top contenders in the Tokyo Games next month.
Didal is making the most out of her much-needed rest in hometown Cebu as she is set to fly back to the United States on July 1 to sharpen her Olympic preparations, where the sport will see its debut appearance in the quadrennial meet.
"Three weeks is okay lang siya na period of time not to train kasi 'pag na-overtrain din kasi parang 'yong katawan kailangang magrecover," said Didal, the 2020 Asia Skateboarder of the Year. "And most of the skaters, like if you have that trick that you only have to do, for us skaters, we always skate every day and we only have to work on it again and again in different obstacles.
"Consistency, 'yon 'yong kailangan for skateboarding," added the 22-year-old Cebuana pride.
READ: Skateboarder Margielyn Didal ready to go all-out for Olympic glory
Didal clinched an Olympic berth after settling for two semifinal finishes in the World Championships in Rome, Italy, and the Dew Tour Moines in Iowa to finalize her world rankings at No. 17 and No. 5 in Asia.
The 2019 Southeast Asian games double gold medalist is aware of the level of difficulty in the Tokyo Games as she competes with 19 other skaters worldwide including powerhouses Brazil, Japan, and the US.
Leading the world rankings are Pamela Rosa (BRA), Rayssa Leal (BRA), Aori Nishimura (JPN), her idol Leticia Bufoni (BRA), and Momiji Nishiya (JPN).
While Didal is grateful for the skateboarding facility in her hometown, the Cebuana skater said there's still a huge difference when she goes overseas for training.
READ: Didal, PH skateboarders maximize training in custom-built facility in Cebu
"Iba rin 'pag nagte-train ka sa ibang bansa kasi may sizes ng obstacles and you have someone or others skaters to skate with on a different level," said the 2018 Asian games gold medalist.
Per the Olympics website, the street event is set to kick off at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on July 26, Monday, three days after the opening ceremony. (Carlo Anolin) ###