In the world of elite sports, specialization is often the key to success. But 15-year-old Ruby Trew from North Narrabeen is defying conventional wisdom by excelling in not one, but two Olympic disciplines: skateboarding and surfing.
Trew’s remarkable journey began when her father, James, placed her on a surfboard at just six months old. Little did he know that this playful act would ignite a passion that would lead his daughter to become one of Australia’s most promising young athletes in two distinct sports.
Embracing the Challenge: Mastering Concrete and Waves
What sets Ruby apart is not just her skill, but her unwavering commitment to both skateboarding and surfing. While many athletes her age are pressured to choose a single sport, Ruby has embraced the challenge of mastering both concrete and waves.
“I love how unique you can be with skateboarding, and surfing gives me a different kind of freedom,” Ruby explains. “I couldn’t choose between them, so I decided not to.”
Making Waves in Two Worlds
Ruby’s dedication has already paid off. She achieved silver in the women’s vert contest at the 2019 World Skateboarding Championships in Barcelona (at age 10). She claimed the top spot as the champion of 2019 NSW under-12 state surfing. She also received the silver medal at the 2023 World Skateboarding Pro Tour event in Argentina and is currently ranked fourth in the world for skateboarding.
What makes Ruby’s story truly unique is her potential to make Olympic history. While she’s currently focused on qualifying for skateboarding at the Paris 2024 Games, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of competing in surfing at future Olympics.
“I’d love to be on the World Championship Tour for surfing after the Paris Olympics,” Ruby says. “I’d like to try and qualify for surfing at the Olympics too. It’s super hard because the Australian girls are just amazing, but I’m going to work hard and try to improve both sports at the same time.”
If successful, Ruby could join the ranks of legendary multi-sport athletes like Clara Hughes, who won multiple Olympic medals in both cycling and speed skating.
Challenges of a Dual-Sport Life
Ruby’s dual-sport pursuit is not without its challenges. Balancing the physical demands of two intensive sports with school and a social life is a constant struggle.
“It’s hard to find time for everything,” Ruby admits. “But I love what I do, and that makes it worth it.”
Inspiring a New Generation
As Ruby Trew continues her unprecedented journey, she’s not just chasing personal glory. She’s redefining what’s possible for young athletes and inspiring a new generation to pursue their passions without limits.
Whether she’s dropping into a halfpipe or carving up a wave, Ruby Trew is proving that with enough determination, you don’t have to choose between your dreams – you can ride them all.
Published 16-July-2024
