Skateboarder Margielyn Didal was sidelined by a fractured ankle over a year ago and continues to make progress in her quest to retain her title in the 19th Asian Games.
“I was forced to stop 11 months ago because of my injury. As of now, I’m focused on my recovery to regain my confidence and get comfortable with my board,” said Didal, who arrived on Wednesday and is staying at the Athletes’ Village.
She was chosen as the country’s flag-bearer along with pole vaulter EJ Obiena for the opening ceremony on Saturday at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
Didal’s victory in the women’s street event during the 2018 edition of the Games in Indonesia contributed to Team Philippines’ four-gold collection, which also included the individual triumphs of golfer Yuka Saso and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. Saso also led the women’s team to gold with Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go. Didal underwent surgery on her fractured left ankle, which she sustained during the Red Bull Stake Levels tournament in Brazil last year.
“We trained in Thailand before coming here. My goal is to make it to the finals. From there, I’ll aim for the podium,” said Didal.
The participation of the 396 Filipino athletes in 40 sports here is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.
The 24-year-old Cebuana won two gold medals during the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Tagaytay City.
