In a groundbreaking moment for both skateboarding and the Olympics, 50-year-old Andy Macdonald has secured a spot on Team GB for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Macdonald, a seasoned veteran in the sport, will compete in the men's park event, making him the oldest skateboarder to participate in the Olympic Games. This extraordinary achievement adds another milestone to his illustrious career, which includes eight X Games gold medals and a prominent presence in the skateboarding community since turning professional in 1994.
Macdonald's journey to the Olympics began two and a half years ago when he discovered he was eligible for a British passport through his father, who was born in Luton. This revelation opened the door for him to join Team GB and take a shot at the Olympics. Despite the long odds, Macdonald's determination and skill paid off when he qualified at the final event in Budapest last month.
50 year old and going to the Olympics as a skateboarder pic.twitter.com/H7i47r9wcP
— cants (@cantseyy) July 1, 2024
Joining Macdonald on Team GB are two teenage prodigies, Sky Brown, 15, and Lola Tambling, 16. Brown, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, and Tambling represent the future of the sport, while Macdonald brings decades of experience and expertise. "When I started out in the sport, going to the Olympics wasn’t even a thought, but here I am, qualifying at the age of 50, and it feels pretty surreal," Macdonald shared, reflecting on his unexpected Olympic journey.
Macdonald's extensive experience in vert skateboarding, a discipline focusing on vertical ramps, contrasts with the park skating format he will compete in at the Olympics. Park skating involves a faster, more dynamic use of three-dimensional bowls, posing a unique challenge even for a veteran like Macdonald. "It's like taking everything I know from vert skating and trying to apply it to a much smaller, quicker genre," he explained.
The 50-Year-Old Skateboarder Bound for the Paris Olympics – DNyuz https://t.co/7qCNin7YmA
— dolguun ulaankhuu (@dolguun) July 8, 2024
Throughout his career, Macdonald has been known for his clean-living lifestyle, avoiding the partying and substance use that were common in the skateboarding scene of the 1990s. This discipline, along with his dedication to the sport, has allowed him to maintain his competitive edge well into his 50s.
"When you do go down, it takes longer to jump back up, and as you get older, you get more timid and scared of those big commitment tricks," he admitted, noting the physical challenges of competing at an older age.
Macdonald's participation in the Olympics is not just a personal achievement but also an inspiration to older athletes and fans. "If I can motivate people to stay out there doing what they love to do into their 50s and 60s… we’re still learning how long we can ride a skateboard for," he said. His presence on the team highlights the inclusivity and evolving nature of skateboarding, showcasing that age is not a barrier to success in the sport.
As Macdonald prepares to compete in Paris, he looks forward to not only representing Great Britain but also sharing the experience with his family. "Making it to the Olympic Games, getting to take my wife and kids to Paris, is just awesome," he said. His story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring passion for skateboarding.
