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Brazil falls in love with PH skater Margielyn Didal

By CHUCK SMITH Published Jul 27, 2021 4:13 pm

Skater Margielyn Didal has gotten the attention of the Philippines with her showing at the women's street skate event in the Tokyo Olympics on Monday, July 26. Though she crashed out of a podium finish at seventh place, Didal charmed those who saw her performance with her warm smile and infectious personality. 

But it's not only Filipinos who have taken notice; it seems Brazlians, too, have fallen in love with Didal. 

Didal caught the attention of Brazlian Olympic fans due to her friendship with Brazil's Rayssa Leal, who won the silver medal. The 22-year-old Filipina skater was even seen hugging Leal, endearing her to Brazilian fans even more. 

Immediately, Brazilian fans went to Didal's social media accounts to show her some love. Many Brazilian users, for instance, have commented on her Instagram account with the national flag of Brazil.

"Let's go! Loved your vibes, sending the best energy from Brazil," one commenter said. 

Many took to Twitter too, making her a trending topic in Brazil on Monday. 

A Twitter user even noted that Didal made it to the pages of top Brazlian news site Globo, a testament to how the Filipino skater captured the hearts of the country. 

In one viral Twitter thread, a "Brazilian with a lot of Filipino friends" even discussed why the Philippines and Brazil "are the same country." 

Some of the hilarious reasons include both countries treating avocado as dessert, both have “the most secure anti-burglary system in the world (called’) i’m too poor to be robbed please look at the glass shards on top of the wall thank u’,” and “both have “incredibly catholic countries with the best lgbt community, just like our colonizers wanted.” And aside from having the same sense of humor, both Brazil and the Philippines, according to the Twitter user, have similar presidents.

And it seems the fascination has not died down. On Tuesday, July 27, Didal went on an Instagram Live session, several of those who watched are Brazilians. 

"I love Brazil (because of) the food, and the weather, and the beach," she said during her Instagram Live. "I might come back this year or later this year. I might visit again."

"Rayssa is a friend," she said in response to a comment. "And also a fam. A family, because that's what skateboarding is."

Banner photo: Philippines' Margielyn Arda Didal reacts after competing in the skateboarding women's street final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Sports Park in Tokyo on July 26, 2021. Jeff PACHOUD / AFP