Charlotte Ives dedicates considerable time at the skate park, visiting four or five times weekly to master the 50-50 grind – “which occurs when you ascend the ramp with both your trucks on it,” she explains. (A truck refers to the metal T-shaped component attached to the board’s underside, which holds the wheels.)
“It’s a straightforward trick; I believe it’s a basic one for most, yet it took me around four months to actually land it,” the 14-year-old shares with Guardian Australia. She began skateboarding in January after being inspired by online trick videos.
“Initially, everything is intimidating,” she admits, “but conquering a trick feels even more rewarding.”
“I can’t articulate the sensation—it’s such a relief,” she expresses. “Plus, when others witness you trying to land it, they’re incredibly supportive.”
Since skateboarding made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games, more young girls are getting involved, according to Ives’ coach Aidan Johnson from PoP! Skate School in Sydney. Following 14-year-old Arisa Trew’s gold medal victory in this year’s Olympic park skateboarding event, he has already noted a rise in interest.
“Today alone, I’ve received at least three messages from completely new clients referencing the Olympics, saying, ‘We saw the heats, and my daughter wants to try skateboarding.’”
Ives performing on a ramp. Instructors note a surge in interest from women following skateboarding’s Olympic debut in Tokyo. Photograph: James Gourley/The Guardian
When Johnson began coaching five years ago, only about 10% to 15% of skateboarders were girls. Now, they constitute roughly 30% to 35% of the school’s students.
“Post-[the Tokyo] Olympics, I’ve definitely observed a significant increase, especially among young girls aged six to twelve.”
At Chiggy’s Skateboarding on the Sunshine Coast, owner Mat Chigwidden reports a more than 50% rise in female skateboarders. He recalls knowing just two girls in the sport when he started 25 years ago.
“Now, girls are skating everywhere,” he notes, adding that his new girls-only classes sell out first.
Arisa Trew ‘going to keep skating and pushing myself’ after winning Olympic skateboard gold – video
Johnson attributes this growing interest to young Olympians like Trew, 14-year-old Chloe Covell, and 18-year-old Haylie Powell, who inspire other girls to see skateboarding as a welcoming sport.
“These young girls are witnessing peers close to their age, from the same country, executing impressive tricks and proving that anyone can participate,” Johnson remarks.
“It’s not something extensively covered in mainstream media.”
Frankie Flanagan, an 11-year-old, considers Trew “so cool.” Having started skating at 9, she admires Trew, who made history by “spinning in the air” last year.
“By the time I’m 14, I hope to be at least somewhat like her.”
During his lessons today, Trew was the “hot topic,” Chigwidden shares. Two years ago, he hosted a Sunshine Coast competition that Trew entered – and eventually won.
“A lot of younger girls appreciate the importance of community,” Ives notes. Photograph: James Gourley/The Guardian
“She has progressed immensely,” he continues. “Witnessing her transition from winning our small contest in our hometown to securing a gold medal globally is remarkable.”
“This will be a source of inspiration for young girls to see that she too started out just like them.”
Ives finds encouragement in watching young girls compete at the Olympics because “even if they aren’t victorious, they maintain a positive spirit and uplift their teammates.”
“When observing someone at the skate park who can perform a trick you’re unable to do, it inspires thoughts of ‘maybe I should give that a go.’”
Flanagan agrees with this sentiment.
“You might fall occasionally, but ultimately, it’s exhilarating when you can accomplish it independently and without fear.”
