By: Emily Ao

Skateboarding has always been promoted as a sport for the youth. When skateboarding first became a sport in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the final gold medalists were all in their teens and early 20s. This summer, an 11 year-old will also be competing in the Olympics for skateboarding. So, what prompts Andy MacDonald, a 50 year-old, to compete alongside young athletes?

According to MacDonald, it’s simply because it’s enjoyable. Skateboarding has always been fun and “the fountain of youth,” MacDonald states in an interview featured in this New York Times article. Although he skates with youngsters that are a third of his age, he says that when he is in the moment, he feels like he’s “one of them.” Skateboarding brings MacDonald back to his youth.

MacDonald then shares how skateboarding now compares to skateboarding during his youth. According to MacDonald, the sport has definitely become more accessible; anywhere there’s a smooth enough surface, skateboarding is appropriate. Because of this, children as young as 5 are beginning to skateboard more often.

However, skateboarding as a 50 year-old is not an easy task. MacDonald reports that he has had many injuries to his knees and ankles since he first started. At such an age, falling is definitely not an easy task. Despite these challenges, MacDonald insists that he follows the youngsters and simply “bounce[s] right up.” His longest stay in the hospital hasn’t surpassed two months, and MacDonald is determined to keep his dream going.

For MacDonald, skateboarding is a hobby. “I’m happy to be here,” he shares, further commenting how qualifying for the Olympics itself is already a dream for him. 50 year-old skateboarding athlete Andy MacDonald definitely has a bright future ahead of him.