Asian Games gold medalist Margielyn Didal will have a teammate when she prepares for her next international competition.
The 19-year-old Didal will be paired with Christiana Means, an outstanding Fil-American skateboarder from Charlotte, South Carolina.
Hours after arriving in Manila, Didal met up with the 21-year-old Means and her parents.
“After the Asian Games, we are now strengthening the team. A gold medal is a gold medal. But the next big thing is the Southeast Asian Games and the Olympics,” said Philippine Skateboarding chief Monty Mendegoria, one of the well wishers, who met Didal and her entourage upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Didal, who learned skateboarding in the streets of Lahug, Cebu City, is set to receive around P6 millions in incentives after she delivered the Philippines’ fourth gold in the 18th Asian Games at the JSC Skate Park in Jakabaring Sports City last week.
She said her achievements are finally sinking in into her consciousness.
“OK naman. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Hindi ako makatulog. Pinagsikapan ko ito. Dati rati kasi, sa kalye lang ako nagi-skates, tapos sa Asian Games na,” said Didal
She was the favorite to win the women’s street skate gold here following her eighth-place finish in the 2018 Street League Skateboarding PRO Open in London, England.
Her manager Anthony Claravall and co-manager Jessica Ryon said they will make sure that Didal trains well for her next events.
Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Patrick Gregorio was on hand upon her arrival, along with the staff and executives of Conrad Hotel, where Didal stayed overnight.
Mendegoria said Means is a specialist in park skateboarding and has had plenty of exposure.
Teaming up with Didal has been planned since he met Means’ parents six months ago.