X Games Austin 2016 Q&A: 11-Year-Old Skateboarder Brighton Zeuner

​On this yr’s X Video games Austin, Texas, which started June 2, 11-year-old Brighton Zeuner is the youngest feminine competitor. She’s competing within the Girls’s Park occasion. If she finishes in one of many prime three spots, Zeuner will turn into the youngest X Video games medalist ever, beating Alana Smith’s 2013 report by eight months. 

Sports activities Illustrated Youngsters caught up with the sixth-grade skateboarder from San Diego (who skates the vertical ramp in her household’s yard!) to talk about making ready for troublesome tips and her hobbies outdoors of the game.

How did you get entangled in skating?

My brothers began earlier than me and I needed to tag-along!

Which skaters impressed you to turn into a aggressive skater?

Once I noticed an all-girls skate, I knew that that was what I needed to do. Like Nora [Vasconcellos], Lizzie [Armanto], and Alana Smith. All these women.

Whenever you attempt one thing out, it could possibly be doubtlessly harmful. How do you keep protected whereas nonetheless compelling your self to do daring tips? 

I attempt one thing in a foam pit or I be taught [small] tips to work my means as much as huge tips. 

Do you ever get nervous earlier than attempting a brand new and troublesome trick or once you compete? In that case, how do you keep calm?

I simply suppose to myself that it’s a contest and I’m right here to have enjoyable. For me, contests are at all times enjoyable. There’s a very good vibe. It may be slightly nerve-racking generally, however it’s enjoyable. 

​What’s your favourite trick to do? 

I love to do a bottom catastrophe. It’s the place you do a 180 on prime of the coping after which instantly get again in. It’s actually enjoyable! 

What different pursuits or hobbies do you could have outdoors of skating? 

I prefer to get my nails performed and store and go outdoors with my buddies.  I like swimming and making enjoyable movies and archery. I’m a girly lady once I’m not skating!

How do you handle each skating and college? 

[I’m enrolled in] a constitution college with another skating folks that I can tackle the street with me and do my schoolwork. 

What recommendation would you give to different younger women who need to attempt skateboarding? 

I might say get a gaggle of lady skaters and simply have enjoyable. That’s what I did. It’s simply extra enjoyable with lady skaters. You progress higher. I positively advise being with lady skaters. 

Catch Brighton compete at X Video games Austin this weekend on ESPN and ABC. And for extra on the competitors, try Celia’s interview with 15-year-old skateboarder Alana Smith!

Images: Twitter (motion), Grant Brittain​ (profile)