Imagine competing alongside teammates younger than your own kids. That’s exactly the reality for the oldest skateboarder heading to the Paris Olympics. Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and now, three years later, a true veteran of the sport is about to show everyone that age is just a number.

Andy Macdonald, boasting 22 X Games medals, is set to make his Olympic debut at the age of 50. Born in the United States but representing Britain thanks to his British father, Andy will be the first male skateboarder to fly the flag for Great Britain at the Olympics. He’ll be sharing the stage with Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist and world champion Sky Brown, 15, and Lola Tambling, 16—both younger than his oldest child. Despite his age, Macdonald has no plans of slowing down—he’s already got his sights set on LA 2028. But what will it take to get him there?

What would it take to get Andy Macdonald to LA28?

In an interview with The New York Times, Andy Macdonald was asked if he’s aiming for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The 8-time X Games Champion replied, “Ask me after Paris.” This British veteran holds the record for the most X Games medals in vert skateboarding, competing alongside American greats like Tony Hawk and Shaun White. So naturally, he shared, “If they were to add vert for L.A. — I would hope they have they sense to do that. If they do, maybe I’ll be there riding for Team 55 and Up.” Despite his impressive experience, securing an Olympic berth was no easy feat.

Andy made history by snagging a spot for Great Britain in the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest. With only 22 spots available for the Games, the competition was fierce. Before the event, Andy was ranked 38th in the world and needed to pull off something spectacular to qualify for Paris. And, as always, he delivered.

He decided to attempt his most difficult tricks all at once. Although he fell during his first two attempts, he didn’t change his plan. On his third try, he nailed his performance, impressing the crowd and judges. His score was high enough to get him into the semi-finals. The next day, he managed to finish 15th, earning enough points to secure his place in the Olympics. This news was almost too good to be true for his family as well!

How the veteran fulfilled his wife’s long-time dream clinching the Paris Olympics ticket

Andy Macdonald’s three-decade-long career took him to different countries like Argentina, Dubai, and Italy, which meant spending time away from his family. When Andy found out he had secured a spot in the Olympics, the first person he told was his wife. He FaceTimed her and reminded her of a promise he made when they got married to take her to Paris often.

When he clinched his ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS), he FaceTimed his wife and said to her, “‘Hey, remember when we got married? I told you I would take you to Paris as often as I could? Sorry that I haven’t; it’s been 15 years since we’ve gone. But what do you think about going this summer?’”

His wife was initially confused until their 8-year-old daughter joined the call and excitedly asked, “Are we going to the Olympics?” Andy Macdonald told Olympics.com “And I was like, ‘Yes’ and my eight-year-old is like “Oh!” And my wife’s face just went, and her jaw hit the ground.” As we reflect on this heartwarming moment and Andy Macdonald’s incredible journey, it’s amazing to see how he continues to push the boundaries in a sport that often favors the young. What are your thoughts on his path to the Paris Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!