Didal turns pro

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuana skateboard sensation Margielyn Didal reached another milestone in her illustrious career as the first Pinay to turn pro in skateboarding.

Didal got the “big surprise” over the weekend in Hong Kong.

All the 19-year-old Didal knew was that she was out for the official release of a collaboration shoe from the New Balance Numeric and her board sponsor, Eightfivetwo or simply 8Five2.

But Didal got more from Eightfivetwo as they elevated her into the pro circle by officially launching a skateboard under her name.

“Margie just turned pro. She received her first signature board,” said Monty Mendegoria, president of the Skateboarding and Roller Sports Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SRAP).

A photo of Didal’s Asian Games gold medal is printed in her signature board.

Mendegoria explained that it’s the sponsor that tags a skater as “pro”.

“If you get your own skate merchandise, that’s the time you turn pro. They have invested a big amount of money on you,” added Mendegoria.

Didal is actually the only second Filipino skater to be called a pro, the first-known pro skater was Willy Santos back in the 90’s.

Even if she is already a pro, Didal is still part of the national team as no other Pinay could match her skills level  right now.

After the said surprise, Didal is back in training for the Skates Exchange in Tokyo on December 1. Afterwhich, she will return to the United States to train further for an Olympic qualifying event, the Street League in Brazil this January. (FREEMAN)