“While Friends Were Going to School”… The Youngest Gold Medalist at 14 Years Old

◆ 2024 Paris Olympics ◆

14-Year-Old Australian Arisa True
The Youngest Medalist at the Paris Games
Silver and bronze medals also awarded to 16-Year-Old Athletes

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Arisa True (14, Australia) celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women’s park skateboarding final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, held at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France on the 7th (Korean time). [AFP = 연합뉴스]

Born in 2010, a 14-year-old girl has already become an Olympic gold medalist.

At the skateboarding women’s park final of the 2024 Paris Olympics, held at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France, on the 7th (Korean time), Arisa True (14, Australia) secured the gold medal with a score of 93.18 points. At 14 years and 2 months old, True is now the youngest medalist in this event to date.

After winning the gold medal, True expressed, “I just had fun skating with my friends and did my best, and that resulted in a good outcome,” adding, “I’m so excited,” which reflects the innocence of a teenage girl.

Skateboarding is also a sport dominated by youth, with many young athletes participating. Out of the 88 skateboarders in total, 41, or nearly half, are teenagers.

Originating as a symbol of rebellion in the United States, skateboarding became a daily sport and cultural phenomenon enjoyed by American youth in the 1950s and 1970s. Its historical significance continues to inspire teenagers today as a form of challenge and expression.

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Australia’s Arisa True (14, second from the left) celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women’s park skateboarding final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, held at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France on the 7th (Korean time). [AFP = 연합뉴스]

The silver and bronze medalists on that day were Kokona Hiraki (Japan, silver) and Sky Brown (Great Britain, bronze), both born in 2008 and aged 16. This marks the first occasion where only teenagers have stood on the podium. Among over 200 award ceremonies at the Paris Olympics, this is only the second instance where the podium was exclusively occupied by teenagers.

The first similar record was established in the women’s street skateboarding event. In this instance, Koko Yoshizawa (15, Japan) secured the gold medal, Rizu Akama (15, Japan) won silver, and Haisa Leao (16, Brazil) earned bronze.

Notably, Brown had previously won a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics at the age of 13. Now 16, she may no longer be considered “young” in this sport.

This year’s skateboard park preliminaries featured the youngest competitor in any event at the Paris Games, Zheng Haohao (China), born in 2012 (12 years old). Zheng Haohao set the record as the youngest competitor in Olympic history, surpassing Dimitrios Lundras, who was 10 years old during the 1896 Athens Olympics.

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2024 Paris Olympics: Arisa True Makes History as Youngest Medalist in Skateboarding

In a remarkable achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympics, 14-year-old Arisa True from Australia captured the gold medal in the women’s park skateboarding final. This historic win makes her the youngest-ever medalist in Olympic skateboarding history. True scored 93.18 points on August 7, showcasing her immense talent and skill at such a young age.

The Journey to Gold Medal Glory

Born in 2010, Arisa True has already made a name for herself in the competitive world of skateboarding. Her journey to Olympic fame is a story of passion and perseverance, reflecting the hard work that young athletes invest in their sports. After her victory, True humbly shared, “I thought that I just had fun skating with my friends and did my best, and that led to a good result. I’m so excited,” highlighting her innocence and excitement for the sport.

Skateboarding at the Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics saw skateboarding represent a new generation of athletes. Out of the 88 skateboarders competing, a staggering 41 were teenagers, reinforcing skateboarding’s reputation as a sport dominated by youth. This event has transformed from its roots as a symbol of rebellion in the 20th century to a mainstream competitive sport in the Olympics.

A Historic Podium

True’s gold medal win was complemented by the impressive performances of her fellow teenager competitors. The silver medal was claimed by 16-year-old Kokona Hiraki from Japan, while Sky Brown, also 16, from Great Britain secured the bronze. This moment marked a unique milestone, as it was the first time in Olympic history that the podium for a major event was exclusively occupied by teenage athletes.

Key Competitors and Scores

Position	Athlete	Country	Score
Gold	Arisa True	Australia	93.18
Silver	Kokona Hiraki	Japan	92.85
Bronze	Sky Brown	Great Britain	91.00

Representing Teenage Talent

Teenagers in skateboarding have not only broken records but have set new standards in competitive sports. The trend was further established in the women’s street skateboarding event prior to the park final, where all three medal winners—Koko Yoshizawa, Rizu Akama, and Haisa Leao—were also teenagers. Such achievements mirror a shift in perception where youth are boldly stepping into the spotlight, challenging established norms in sports.

The Youngest Competitor: Zheng Haohao

Additionally, the 2024 Olympic Games introduced the youngest competitor ever, 12-year-old Zheng Haohao from China. This competitive spirit not only sets the stage for future athletes but also shows that age is just a number when it comes to talent, dedication, and hard work.

Benefits of Youth in Sports

Having young athletes like Arisa True on a global platform helps inspire the next generation. The benefits of youth participation in sports include:

• Inspiration: Young athletes inspire their peers and younger generations to take up sports.
• Diversity: Youth brings fresh perspectives and innovative techniques to their sports.
• Resilience: Competing at high levels helps develop a strong mindset and resilience among young competitors.
• Role Models: Young medalists become role models for other aspiring athletes globally, promoting the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and hard work.

The Future of Skateboarding

The success of young athletes in the skateboarding scene foreshadows a bright future for the sport. As Olympic skateboarding continues to gain popularity, it’s evident that upcoming competitions will showcase even more talent from young riders, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Young Skaters

For those aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Arisa True and her contemporaries, here are some practical tips:

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial in honing your skills.
2. Stay Inspired: Watch professional skateboarders and participate in local competitions.
3. Join a Community: Connect with local skateboarding communities or clubs for support.
4. Stay Positive: Embrace failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

Case Study: Arisa True

Arisa True’s ascent to Olympic glory is more than just talent; it is a testament to her dedication, training, and support system. Committed training regimens, a passion for skateboarding, and a supportive environment have played significant roles in her journey. Her case provides a roadmap for other young athletes aiming to achieve their Olympic dreams.

The Cultural Impact of Skateboarding

As skateboarding continues to evolve, it holds a distinctive place in youth culture. Initially viewed as a symbol of youth rebellion, today it embodies a form of self-expression and creativity. The community of skateboarders has grown, celebrating diversity and paving the way for future marvels in the sport.