Young skateboarding prodigy takes the world by storm

Skateboarder, Boipelo Awuah (18) of Kimberley in the Northern Cape, represented South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

The event kicked off on 26 July and will end on 11 August in France.

Awuah was ranked 18th at the recent Women's Skateboarding Prelims event. 

In 2020, Awuah debuted on the global stage at just the age of 15 during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. At the time, her Olympic stint was cut short by an injury sustained during training. Despite the setback, Awuah remained determined, eyeing the Paris 2024 Olympics as her next major goal.

Over the past three and a half years, Awuah has travelled worldwide,  competing internationally to qualify for this year’s Olympics.

“All thanks to the Olympic Solidarity programme, I have been able to attend most of the qualifying events,” said Awuah.

The Olympic Solidarity aims to assist all National Olympic Committees with athlete development programmes, in particular those with the greatest need. Its mission is to help National Olympic and Paralympic Committees such as South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, to develop and strengthen their athletes and administrators through targeted programmes. 

Guiding her through this precise journey is her coach Melissa Williams who has not only trained her physically but also strengthened her mentally for the challenges that lie ahead.

“I can truly say this is the hardest I have ever worked to become a better skateboarder and to prepare myself [for the competition], so I’m very thankful to have my coach right by my side,” said Awuah. 

Since 2019, she has proudly held the title of the top female African skater.

Beyond her achievements, she finds massive joy in hosting ladies' skate sessions, where she encourages more females to embrace and excel in the sport. However, her path has not been without obstacles.

“Challenges that I have faced include being treated differently and not getting certain jobs because I am female. I still battle with this but it only motivates me to keep going, progressing and challenging myself [to improve my talent],” she explained.

Awuah’s talent has enabled her to tour around the globe, with Dubai and Tokyo standing out as destinations that have inspired her the most. These experiences have shown her that despite her humble beginnings in Kimberley, dreams are within reach with determination and hard work.

Her journey began at the tender age of five years, inspired by the sight of her older brother and his friends effortlessly floating on their skateboards in front of their home. 

Looking ahead, Awuah envisions a bright future beyond her successful skateboarding career. Her dream is to establish a skateboarding academy, where she can bring up young talent and prepare future Olympians.

“I plan to integrate a ministry within my academy, aiming to inspire and guide youth through their faith journey,” she said. 

As she continues her journey towards the Olympics and beyond, she remains a role model for young athletes everywhere, especially in South Africa and the African continent. ¥