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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Margielyn Didal explains reason behind her positive vibe in the Olympics

Margielyn Didal explains reason behind her positive vibe in the Olympics

Published Aug 4, 2021 09:10 pm

Margielyn Didal just loves being the Margielyn Didal.

Philippines' Margielyn Arda Didal (right) shares a laugh with China's Zeng Wenhui during the skateboarding women's street final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Sports Park in Tokyo on July 26, 2021. (AFP)

Known for her optimism and brilliant aura, Didal became an instant social media star with her quirky gestures, cordial approach, and the sportsmanship she had shown at the Ariake Urban Sports Park in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She introduced herself in a comical way, flexing her way into the skating park, created some quick Tiktok content with 13-year-old silver medalist Rayssa Leal of Brazil, and went viral due to the post of @Tokyo2020 on Twitter where the signature "seal of approval" was coined.

And many more. The reason?

READ: Tony Hawk explains: Margielyn Didal's viral post was meant as a joke

"Nangungulit lang," the 22-year-old Cebuana skating sensation told the press in a roundtable discussion Wednesday, Aug. 4. "And I didn't expect , like, wala, ineenjoy ko lang kasi 'yong event. Y'know, being Margie. But like 'di ko alam na may mag-screenshot ng mga kalokohan ko."

Days after, Didal, the first Filipino Olympian skater, became a famous profile picture meme on Facebook, where users can use the edited template as she was seen photobombing fellow competitors in the Tokyo Games.

READ: Didal: I wish we can have good skateparks in PH

And Didal, who landed seventh in the Tokyo Games, thought she takes that jolly personality after her father Lito. After all, skateboarding for her is like family.

Those moments she cherished with her family, Didal said, are just one of the many ways in how she "keeps in touch" with people and fellow skateboarders.

READ: Riding a wheelchair, Didal flashes signature ‘seal of approval’ with huge smile at NAIA

While the competitiveness will always be a given, the 2020 Asia Skateboarder of the Year said most skaters have kept the mindset of cheering for fellow athletes and wishing them to execute the trick without getting any injuries.

This was pretty much evident during the Tokyo Games as Didal was seen giving Leal a huge hug after the Brazilian youngster made her way to the top before eventual gold medalist Momiji Nishiya of Japan, also 13, stole the show.

READ: Margielyn Didal's charisma a scene-stealer in Tokyo Olympics

"I mean, that's how skateboarding is. It doesn't matter what your nation or culture is, or what language you speak 'cos we have the same passion," said Didal, who will soon return to action and compete in the Street League Skateboarding in Salt Lake City late this month.

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