Australian Skateboarder Arisa Trew Secures Gold at Olympic Qualifier in Shanghai

Australian teenage sensation Arisa Trew has once again demonstrated her prowess on the skateboard, clinching the gold medal in the women’s park final at the Olympic qualifier series held in Shanghai. The 14-year-old’s victory propels her to second place in the world rankings, firmly positioning her to earn a coveted spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Trew’s stellar performance in Shanghai was complemented by compatriot Keegan Palmer, the Tokyo Games gold medallist, who secured second place in the men’s park event. Alongside Palmer, Australian skateboarders Kieran Woolley, Chloe Covell, and Ruby Trew also showcased their talent, achieving top eight placings and bolstering their own qualification prospects.

The Shanghai event marked the first leg of a two-part knockout competition, with the series concluding in Budapest next month. The top 20 skaters per discipline and gender will be selected to compete at the Paris Olympics, with a maximum of three athletes allowed per country.

In a thrilling final showdown, Trew triumphed over world No 1 Hiraki Kokona to claim gold. Reflecting on her victory, Trew emphasized the positive impact of competing against top-tier athletes, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit among skaters.

Palmer, despite facing an early setback with a fall on his first run, showcased resilience to secure the silver medal in the men’s park final, with Woolley finishing in an impressive fourth place.

Looking ahead to Budapest and the possibility of qualifying for the Olympics, Palmer expressed his elation and confidence, citing the contest as a significant boost both physically and mentally after a period of injury setbacks.

With Trew’s meteoric rise and Palmer’s strong performance, Australian skateboarding is poised for success on the international stage. As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, anticipation mounts for the Australian contingent’s potential to shine on the world’s biggest sporting platform.