Skateboarding has been approved as a regular sport event in the Olympics—what does this mean for the local skate culture?

With the approval of skateboarding as an official sport in the Olympics, the Skateboarding and Roller Sports Association of the Philippines (SRSAP) is focused on breeding more local skaters that may have the chance to represent the Philippines on the world stage. Not only does this legitimize skateboarding as a sport but it also makes it a viable professional pursuit.

The SRSAP will hold a series of regional tryouts nationwide specifically in Zambales, General Santos City, and Cebu City. Winners from each corresponding tournament will get the chance to compete and earn the opportunity to participate in the 30th Asian Games in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.

As the Philippines has already seen a skateboard superstar in Margielyn Didal, the SRSAAP together with Go for Gold Philippines aims to produce more local skaters of her caliber. Didal, who is currently ranked 14th in the world is set to represent the country and compete in four Olympic qualifying meets this year in an attempt to climb up the world rankings.

Training and breeding local skate athletes as early as now will also give the Philippines the opportunity to strive and potentially garner more medals in the Olympics. Skateboarding is a great opportunity to encourage the country to expand its sporting scene and inspire more Filipinos to get into sports in general.

The Philippines has already won a gold medal in skateboarding at the 2018 Asian Games tournament, thanks to Didal’s skate skills. This year, SRSAP is currently eyeing Didal and Filipino-American skater Christiana Means to represent the Philippines at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.