The Tokyo 2020 Olympics wasn’t short of brilliant Filipina athletes. Mindanaoan weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz took home a historic Olympic gold medal. Meanwhile, boxer Nesthy Petecio has guaranteed a bronze medal for the country. The duo have paved the way for the Philippines to win multiple medals in the Olympics since the 1932 Los Angeles Games.

As we celebrate the wins of these trailblazing Filipinas, we shouldn’t forget the efforts of Margielyn Didal who stole the show with her high spirits and good energy. Though she fell short of securing a historic podium finish in the inaugural staging of women’s street skateboarding, her positive disposition amidst a loss won the hearts of sports fans and the internet alike through her meme-able reactions and lighthearted photobombing.

The 22-year-old Cebuana was the epitome of true sportsmanship as she was seen chatting, laughing, Tiktok-ing, and congratulating her fellow skaters whenever they landed their tricks.

“We’re here for each other. We cheer for each other, that’s what skateboarding is,” she enthused to reporters on the sidelines. 

The skateboarder even said she was “really proud to represent the Philippines” whatever the outcome.

You wouldn’t be able to tell that she was fighting through an aggravated sprain throughout the preliminary round, truly a mark of Filipino resilience. Margielyn never let up her magnetic smile, becoming the reminder we all need to keep looking up even in the face of defeat.

This year, as we celebrate the awe-inspiring victories of our athletes, may we be empowered to continue to work hard for the chance to see our dreams become a reality. And, like Margielyn, until it is our turn, may we continue to cheer for others.