‘I don’t feel pressure’: Sky Brown on her skating glory and surfing dream | Sean Ingle

On Tuesday morning, the 15-year-old skateboarder prodigy from Team GB, Sky Brown, demonstrated an exceptional showcase of skills on a floating half-pipe located on the River Thames with Tower Bridge in the backdrop. This awe-inspiring display lasted for approximately one hour and left spectators breathless.

The people traveling to work were staring in amazement. The students at school were pointing excitedly. Despite the constant noise of a flying camera capturing her every move, including handstands, jumps, and her famous "Japan Air" trick, professional skateboarder Leticia Bufoni flawlessly executed all her stunts without a hitch. This was all part of a new promotional campaign for Tag Heuer.

When the conversation shifted to the pressure that Brown was experiencing prior to the Paris Olympics, she responded with a display of maturity that was impressive for someone so young. She shrugged her shoulders and stated that she didn't feel any pressure because she had already performed in Tokyo. She went on to say that this experience only motivated her to show off her new tricks even more, and that she found the whole thing exciting. According to Brown, skateboarding isn't just about winning medals, but rather it's about putting on a great show for everyone. She always strives to do her best and showcase the beauty of skateboarding.

Three years ago, she made history at the Olympics by winning a bronze medal in the park event when she was only 13 years and 28 days old. As of now, looking at her, one can tell that she has grown stronger. In fact, she herself feels it. "I have matured a bit compared to before. I haven't grown much in height, but I can unquestionably feel that my skateboarding skills have improved a lot. I've picked up a few new tricks, and it's amazing to see how I'm evolving as a person."

She is a bit disappointed because she didn't make it to qualify for the surfing event, which means she won't be able to fulfill her dream of doing an impressive cross-continental Olympic skateboarding and surfing stunt from Paris to Tahiti. Although she came pretty close to getting in, missing it by just one spot was a bit of a downer for her. But, she is not giving up and still has her sights set on winning two gold medals for GB in LA.

What is her favorite sport? "I am often asked this question, and every time I answer it's like comparing ramen and ice cream. Just like when you have too much ramen, and you want some ice cream."

A public relations representative later explains that Brown is very pleasant to work with both on and off camera. She handles numerous television interviews with the ease of an experienced professional. After each interview, a hair and makeup artist attends to her hair, making sure it looks its best before she moves on to the next one. Even when a representative from TAG Heuer joins the press crowd and asks about her watch, Brown is ready with the perfect response. “I receive a lot of compliments on my watch, and all my friends are envious,” she states. “It's especially useful that I can wear it while swimming in the ocean.”

Brown made a choice to live this way. However, she maintains that she truly enjoys all aspects of it - the learning, traveling, and striving to excel in two events. "Honestly, it's a piece of cake. This is my way of living - skating and surfing. I make an effort to awaken early-ish, at approximately 5 in the morning, and become the first to enter the water. Following that, I come back landward, consume some sustenance, complete my academic responsibilities, and then proceed to the skate park. If the waves are still worth it, I'll paddle out again and then chill with my comrades while having supper with my kith and kin."

She is okay with the recognition that comes with having over 1 million followers on Instagram. She enjoys the feeling of people recognizing her wherever she goes around the globe. It is a unique experience for her. She always wanted to inspire others and knowing that people tell her that just motivates her even more to keep doing it for them. It ignites a passion inside her to continue inspiring others.

In the coming month, she will be releasing her debut book titled The Life-Altering Charm of Skateboarding. This book comprises both her personal experience and tips on the sport. She expressed her desire to influence and motivate people through her work, as she had already composed a song on the subject. She sees writing a book as another effective medium to share her message and is eagerly anticipating its release.

From the looks of it, Brown appears to be unbothered by most things. However, she did mention that she found it a bit unsettling when one of the engines on her plane failed while they were still on the runway during her trip from Los Angeles to New York. As a result, they had to evacuate the plane, and she was rerouted to Minnesota before finally reaching her destination.

It appears to be just one more challenge to overcome, on the path to executing even more impressive and breathtaking stunts, stunning acts, and possibly, more opportunities to win medals.