TOKYO Olympian and 2018 Asian Games’ skateboarding gold medalist Margielyn Didal made a powerful comeback from a major injury, pulling off a rousing victory in the Red Bull Buenos Aires Conquest Women’s Championship over the weekend in Argentina.
The 25-year-old Cebuana showed superb form for the first time since fracturing a left fibula suffered during the Red Bull Skate event in Brazil in 2022.
In a thrilling showdown among some of the best women skateboarders in the world, Didal outperformed seven elite rivals to claim the women’s street crown, securing the best trick honor as well.
Among her competitors were fellow Olympian Roos Zwetsloot from the Netherlands, Argentina’s Camila Caceres, and Mexico’s Itzel Granados.
The final showdown against Zwetsloot emerged as the highlight of the event, with Didal narrowly clinching a 3-2 decision.
The Red Bull global skateboarding series is recognized as one of the top tournaments for elite skateboarders worldwide.
Since her 2022 injury, Didal has worked tirelessly to regain her prime form, despite the setback affecting her Tokyo 2024 Olympic campaign.
Known for tenacity on the field and spirited personality, Didal started skateboarding at the age of 12 on the streets of Cebu City.
She first captured national attention with her gold medal win at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Her international breakthrough came earlier that year as the only Filipino participant in the X Games, followed by her gold in the street skateboard event at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.