Teen skateboarder grinds to get to Olympics

A teenage skateboarder has earned her place at an Olympic Games 2020 qualifier, but she needs help getting there.

Haylie Powell, 13, is hoping to get to Brasil for a skateboarding championship.

A TEENAGE skateboarder has earned her place at an Olympic Games 2020 qualifier, but she needs help getting there.

Currently Queensland’s state champion, 13-year-old Haylie Powell has been invited to compete at the Street League Skateboarding World Championships in Brazil.

Placing in the top three will land her a spot at the Olympics, but first she needs to find the money to get to Brazil.

“It would mean a lot to me to be able get overseas and have a shot at the Olympics because this is what I want to do, I want to be a professional skateboarder and travel the world,” Haylie said.

“Being able to compete at international competitions takes a lot of dedication and a lot of time spent practising your tricks.

“You also have to be true to your own style and growing up by the ocean, my style is really influenced by surfing.”

Haylie Powell, 13, is hoping to get to Brazil for a skateboarding championship.

After she was taught to surf by her dad, the Mooloolah Valley teenager took her moves to the concrete about five years ago.

She is now ranked fourth in Australia in the Open Women’s street division.

Although only the top two receive funding from the Olympics Commission, Powell is still on the radar thanks to a recent competition in the United States.

“As Haylie’s performance in LA was impressive, the Olympic Commission has approved funding for her as they believe she will be able to make the top three to attend the Olympics.” The $2000 grant will help with Haylie’s flights, but there are other expenses her family will have to cover.

And at 13, she can’t head to Brazil alone.

If any companies are interested in supporting Haylie on her path to the 2020 Olympics, they can reach out to her through her Instagram @microhaylie.

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