Arisa Trew Olympic gold medal: Skate ramp sleepout to watch friend win competition

The young skate mates of Olympic skateboard champion Arisa Trew slept out on the Gold Coast overnight to watch her become the youngest ever gold medallist.

Arisa Trew’s bleary-eyed young skate mates were still celebrating on Wednesday morning after watching her incredible Paris triumph at a sleepover on the Gold Coast.

They gathered at the skateboard academy where she honed the skills that made her Australia’s youngest-ever Olympic gold medallist.

Dozens of young skaters spent the night at Currumbin’s Lvlup Aus Academy on the southern Gold Coast where Arisa trains.

They included five-year-old skating sensation Pixie Richards, who has already amassed more than 27,000 Instagram followers.

Pixie Richards with her new idol Arisa. Picture: Instagram

Supporters stay up to watch Arisa Trew win gold at the Olympic Games

“It was an absolutely incredible and inspirational night – the kids will never, ever forget it,” Pixie’s mum Sarah said.

“There was a sleepout set-up on the skate ramp but they didn’t get too much sleep, that’s for sure. They had all sorts of treats to keep them going. It was just a really great celebration.”

Ms Richards said Pixie idolised Arisa and the gold medal triumph had inspired her.

“Arisa is just such a good role model for Pixie and all the kids to look up to and see what hard work can achieve,” she said.

Arisa Trew in action in the women’s skateboard final. Picture: Michael Klein

“Pixie wanted to get straight back on her skateboard this morning after watching Arisa win the gold.”

Academy students take part in hours of skateboarding sessions each day while also undertaking school studies.

Lvlup Academy high-performance manager Adrian Comiskey said the children and teens had had little sleep as they watched Arisa skate into the record books.

“The community here, we’re all so stoked to see what she’s been able to do and so proud of her because she’s just an incredible young human being – she’s the raddest,” Mr Comiskey told the Today Show.

Arisa Trew with her gold medal. Picture: Michael Klein

Mr Comiskey said the academy had young skaters who could follow in Arisa’s tracks to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.

“I have 9-year-olds in my class who are just going to be total phenoms,” he said.

“They’re fearless and they’re brave and courageous and resilient and all of the qualities that we’re trying to build into our young people. It’s just an incredible thing to be a part of.”