Meet the legend Judi Oyama, world’s oldest competitive skateboarder!
This is the amazing Judi Oyama (USA), who holds the record as the oldest competitive skateboarder (female) on Earth!
Over 50 years ago, she first hopped on to a board that her brother brought home, and throughout decades of professional competitions she has paved the way for more girls and women to compete in the sport!
How iconic!
Judi is 66 years old and she isn’t slowing down – in fact, she continues to compete professionally in international tournaments, repeatedly breaking her own record that she’s held since 2024 when she was 64 years and 326 days old.
For example, this year she has once again qualified for the World Skate Games, and will be participating in the global event in Paraguay just shy of her 67th birthday!
But how did it all start?
Well, when she was 13, she loved doing tricks on the family driveway with her brother Cary in their hometown of Santa Cruz, California.
Though the sport was male dominated in 1973, Judi was in love with the sport, and she spent all of her free time dropping in and out at skate parks around the city!
Her daily commute to-and-from work at a skate shop was on a board, and when the park was closed she’d coast down backyard pools, ramps, and empty roads…
Nothing could stop her.
Do you like skating? What’s your favourite sport?
Judi’s father, professional photographer Richard Oyama, often took photos of her skateboarding as a teen, and is the reason she has so many photos of her early career.
He also bought her an early computer and her first camera, which motivated her to document her own life and passion for skateboarding.
Not only that, but she also loves to collect skating-related memorabilia – look at her cool collection!
Judi’s had an amazing career – she became a member of the Santa Cruz Skate team, which helped her receive some of the first sponsorships for women in the sport.
“To this day my most memorable moment was downhill skating with Tony Alva the night before the Capitola Classic in 1980,” said Judi. “We skated down a 3-mile (4.8 km) road on a beautiful warm evening. I was able to keep up with him, and he gave me a big smile. That encouraged me to keep riding and doing what I love.”
Like Judi, you should find what you love and keep working on it until you become as good as you can!
And even though she’s not as young anymore, she’s still skateboarding today at the age of 66!
And as she skates on, her talent and incredible career is being recognized around the world. Not only did she earn her Guinness World Records title, but she has also been inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame!
WOW.
She also continues to expand her legacy by mentoring the next generation of young female skateboarders – because it’s important to help others in any way we can!
She explained: “Skateboarding has been great to me, and I like giving back so that the next generation will be able to experience the same joy – whether you skate for a few years, or a lifetime.”
About breaking a world record she said: “It’s an honour to be part of the record-breaking community. I hope to help the next generation of record breakers make their goals.”
Her advice?
“Don’t listen to the negative people. Hang out with people that support your goals and will help you achieve your goals.”
And, most importantly, to all her fellow skateboarders: “Wear a helmet!”
Thanks for the advice, Judi.