Breaking Barriers | From skating in parks to the Olympic stage

JOHANNESBURG - Skateboarding made headlines again at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where 18-year-old Boipelo Awuah from the Northern Cape represented South Africa in the Women’s Street competition.

Awuah’s presence at the Games highlighted the sport’s growing prominence on the global athletic stage.

And for this 18-year-old, this was an opportunity to showcase her talent to the world.

Dubbed the Diamond of Kimberley, Awuah’s journey began at the tender age of five when she would watch her elder brother carve through the pavements. 

This ignited in her, a spark that would become a lifelong passion for skateboarding.

Despite all her love for the sport, her parents were hesitant to take it seriously as they viewed skateboarding as a male sport. 

They also felt it was dangerous and that she might hurt herself. 

But, through her passion and determination, her parents realised that they could support her.

Skateboarding may have become a mainstream sport in the 1990s, but it's taken a while for it to be recognised. 

Awuah says: “Having more events and pushing the movement will help it grow. I think if skateboarders get more support from sponsors, it will grow their reputation as athletes and grow skateboarding as a sport.”

Awuah has participated in many competitions, but her personal highlight was taking part in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. And, sadly, her parents' concerns became a reality when she suffered a pelvic fracture during practice in Tokyo.

Determined to heal, she embarked on a gruelling rehabilitation programme.  And thanks to those efforts, she was able to compete in the recent Paris Olympics.

“I was excited when I was able to get back on the skateboard. In the lead up to Paris, I was skating for three years and during that time took part in a bunch of international competitions and training camps in Dubai.”  

Awuah attributes her recovery to her support system.

By the time Paris 2024 rolled in, she had not only healed but was stronger and more focused.

Awuah finished in 18th position in her heat of the Women’s Street competition. She said she was glad she had accomplished one of her main goals, which was to go through all the practice sessions and competitions without being injured.

“I will definitely be back stronger after being in such a wholesome environment. I feel very motivated to come back home and improve my skills. I want to go into the next games as the best possible skater I can be and improve my trick and skill level.”

Paris was not just about the competition - it was about redemption and renewal she adds.

By Sbongile Molambo