Sky Brown on mental resilience

For Sky Brown, keeping a level head is second nature. The most-watched female in British skating right now is known for gracefully mastering tricks such as the ‘Japan Air’ (you won’t regret a Google) as she moves around gravity-defying curved structures. However, more than that, Sky maintains a calm mind so that she can stay focused on the goal: winning.

Indeed, Sky learned frighteningly young how to recover from the mental fallout of physical setbacks. Within a few years of stepping onto her dad’s skateboard for fun, she was already making a name for herself – taking part in the Vans US Open aged eight and earning a Nike sponsorship at just 11. But that same year she suffered a horrific death-defying 15-foot fall from a half-pipe ramp, causing skull fractures and a broken left wrist and hand that left her out of action for some time.

How did Sky rebuild her mental strength enough to step back on the board – and go on to become Team GB’s youngest-ever medallist when she scooped up bronze at Tokyo Olympics aged 13? “Injuries are definitely scary – but I’ve accepted that it’s an unavoidable part of sport,” she tells LK. “Everything comes with an element of risk and there’s always something that can go wrong – especially if you allow those fears to occupy your mind. I instead try to stay focused on the skill and the joy I get from it.

I just love to get out there and skate alongside so many other athletes

Quieting her worries has continued to pay off – at just 14, Sky secured a gold medal at the 2023 World Skateboarding Championships, making her the first British world champion in its history. “I always keep my eyes on my goals and try not to let bad days – whether in training or competitions – throw me off mentally,” she explains of her determination. “I am super driven and like to keep challenging myself and improving – but, importantly, that’s pushing myself towards my own goals, not ones that others may have laid out for me.”

Unsurprisingly, events and competitions are what Sky most looks forward to. “I just love to get out there and skate alongside so many other athletes,” she insists. “Competition is central to my sport.” As such, it tops the buzz of the build-up or post celebrations. Indeed, if she was ever daunted or intimidated in her early competitions, the memories have long faded. “I’ve often been the youngest or only female skateboarder at the park, so I’ve got used to putting nerves aside and trusting what I know I can do,” she reveals. “I always want to prove to the world that I’m not too young or too small to crush it, and inspire other girls at the same time.”

So how does Sky get in that winning headspace? “Listening to music at the start of an event or competition helps my mind focus,” she says. Afterwards, she will get grounded by taking stock of her experience. “There’s always something to learn from every competition – win or lose,” she insists. Next, it’s back to the skatepark or even the ocean for some surfing. “Both are kind of like a dance where you have to stay focused and feel the rhythm,” she points out. “Using my body and mind up against a challenge helps me feel centred.” She adds: “Ultimately, it’s by focusing on your dreams and happiness that helps build mental strength.” Regardless of how her Olympics journey unfolds, Sky will thrive off every competitive second.