Margielyn Didal and Daniel Ledermann swept the gold medals in their respective categories in the game of SKATE in skateboarding on Thursday in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Sigtuna Hall, Tagaytay City.
Didal and Ledermann mesmerized the appreciative home fans with their swashbuckling tricks to secure the first two gold medals in skateboarding’s debut in the biennial regional sports competition.
The 20-year old Didal, who is the reigning Asian Games champion in the street event, outpointed fellow Filipina Christiana Means.
Ledermann, on the other hand, leaned on his vast experience to prevail over Indonesian youngster Basral Hutomo, 12, allowing the Philippines to complete a two-gold sweep.
The game is similar to the basketball game of HORSE where each contestant performs one trick after another until they complete the word SKATE.
Skateboarding involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard. It is considered as sport as well as a recreational activity. For many it is an art form, an entertainment industry job, and a method of transportation.
Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2009 report found that the skateboarding market is worth an estimated $4.8 billion in annual revenue with 11.08 million active skateboarders in the world.
Skateboarding will be represented at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
