Margielyn Didal shares reflections from missing Paris Olympics

Tokyo Olympian and skateboarder Margielyn Didal may be missing the 2024 Paris Olympics, but she said she is trying to enjoy the sport and her life for now.

Didal did not qualify for the Summer Games as she fell short of the needed points for qualification and was also recovering from a foot injury she suffered in 2022. 

She tried to book a slot in the Paris Games through the World Skateboarding Tour in Dubai last February where she finished 47th, but only 44 was allowed to advance to the Olympic Qualifier Series.

"For sure nanghinayang pero it happens for a reason. Medyo na-sad pero parang okay rin na may setbacks and you have to think some stuff," Didal told reporters on the sidelines of the premiere of a documentary about her journey last June 21.

"May mga na-realize din like spend time with family, sa jowa, sa dogs, and friends. Try to enjoy life din."

(For sure there are regrets but it happens for a reason. It's somehow sad but setbacks are also fine since you have to think some stuff. There are also realizations like spending time with family, partner, dogs, and friends. Try to enjoy life, too.)

Didal caught the attention of the skateboarding world back in the Tokyo Olympics with her positive energy and good vibes despite the competition.

Now, this is what Didal aims to regain after being away from action due to her injury.

"As of now, [I'm] just trying to enjoy skateboarding without a lot of stuff to think. Gusto ko lang i-enjoy, go on a trip, wala ang pressure and bigat na nadarama. Gusto ko lang i-enjoy 'yung skateboarding like how I used to love skateboarding."

(I just want to enjoy, go on a trip, no pressure and heavy feeling. I want to enjoy skateboarding like how I used to love skateboarding.)

Aware of the expectations set for her after her Tokyo stint, Didal said there are just really bad times in one's life.

"It (pressure) has good and bad impact but I take everything as good kasi like 'yung iba, nag-expect na makakapunta ako and it's good na nakikita nila na may opportunity ako. It's just that, may times talaga na hindi lahat kaya mo gawin at the same time. Minsan kailangan mo dumaan sa low level, dadaan ka muna sa hirap, galing. Ganun lang talaga 'yung life. 'Di mo maabot in easy way. Minsan mahirap."

(It has good and bad impact but I take everything as good because like for the others, they expected me to go to Paris. It's good that they saw the opportunity for me. It's just that, there really are times that you cannot do it all at the same time. Sometimes, you need to go on a low level, go through hardships and victories. That's life. You won't always get it easy. Sometimes it's hard.)

Before the Dubai qualifiers, Didal also competed in the 2023 Asian Games, but was not able to finish the competition finals.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News