To celebrate Arisa Trew's historic Olympic gold medal, we're sharing an interview with Arisa that was originally published in the September 2023 'Games Fest' issue of K-Zone!

KZ: Hi Arisa! Congratulations on making skateboarding history as the first female to land a 720 in competition, and the seventh Aussie ever! How did it feel to accomplish this incredible feat in June 2023 in front of the trick’s creator, Tony Hawk?

A: It felt great to land the 720 in front of Tony Hawk, and in front of the massive crowd at the Delta Centre in Salt Lake City. There was so much hype and excitement and energy, which pumped me up to land it. 

KZ: Your historic 720 took place at the Tony Hawk Vert Alert competition – why did you decide to try the trick that day?

A: I had just won the regular competition, which was great. They had a best trick contest and another girl Lilly from Germany had been trying to do the trick for some time. I had worked on it for two weeks in April and got super close. I had to go Argentina for an Olympic Games Qualifying Event (I came seventh), and then went to X Games Japan (I came fourth). When I came back to Australia afterward, I didn’t have time to try it. On the day of the Tony Hawk Vert Alert event, I asked my coach what I should do for best trick and he said the 720. I set out to do it and 14 tries later, I did it. I was super surprised, but stoked!

KZ: How old were you when you started skateboarding?

A: I was eight years old when I first started skateboarding with my Dad. I was surfing lots, but it got very cold one winter so we got skateboards. About two and a half years ago, I started lessons with Trevor Ward (my coach) at Level Up Skatepark. 

KZ: Have you played any other sports that give you an unusual advantage as a pro skateboarder?

A: I just like to surf in the ocean, as it gives me time out and helps with recovery. It helps with style as well.

KZ: What is something about being a pro skateboarder that might surprise K-Zoners?

A: I have a hectic lifestyle and have to move from hotel to hotel and country to country, but I am supported by my school. 

KZ: What is the best advice you have gained from anyone in the skateboarding community?

A: Never give up – failing is part of learning. It takes me hundreds of goes to learn tricks, but with every fail I learn more about what I am doing and myself. 

KZ: What would K-Zoners be surprised to learn about you?

A: I go to a school that my coach owns. We do three hours of education and four hours of skateboarding a day. It’s really cool, I love it.

KZ: We’ve been loving the addition of skateboarding to the Olympic Games! What would it mean to join the Aussie skateboarding team for Paris 2024?

A: I am currently ranked 14th in the World and I’m on track to make the 2024 Olympic Games. Fingers crossed I make the Australian Olympic team soon as I am self-funded, which makes it very tough.

KZ: Do you currently have any other goals that you are working towards?

A: I’m heading to Rome for the 2023 World Championships, where I hope to do really well and make the finals. 

KZ: What are your top tips for K-Zoners who want to improve their skateboarding skills?

A: My biggest piece of advice is to have fun and never give up. We fall all the time and that is OK. Follow your dreams no matter how big they are. Haters are going to hate!

This interview was originally published in the September 2023 'Games Fest' issue!

For interviews with Australian athletes heading to Paris in 2023, grab the 'Space Is The Place' issue, out now! The Paris Games Special section includes interviews with athletes in Breaking, Sport Climbing, Taekwondo, and Surfing!