“Wasn’t Even My Fault”: Ruby Trew Reveals How She Was Robbed of Tokyo Medal Over COVID-19 Confusion

At 14, making it to the Olympic team or even dreaming is an achievement in itself. But not to skateboarding prodigy Ruby Trew, who rose to number four in the World Rankings. In 2023, at the WST Rome Park World Championships 2023, she made her position for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. But her history with the Summer Games is a little off.

The now 14-year-old Australian was always in search of boards to place her feet on. Channeling her skills, Trew has been a participant in skateboarding contests since 6. She was on the surfboard at 6 months old, chasing waves besides being on skates with her dad. Even the Tokyo Olympics 2020 was in her sight until an unpleasant turn of events halted her debut dreams.

Skateboarding youngster Ruby Trew’s unforeseen heartbreak

Dreaming big of the women’s park skateboarding in Tokyo, the 14-year-old fell at the mouth of COVID-19 like any other athlete. But her shot at the Olympics would only have been possible had her team been fit. During the outbreak, her team was affected, which barred her Summer Games entry as well.

Expressing herself to Olympics.com, Trew said, “I was really upset because it wasn’t even my fault that I got disqualified and it wasn’t the people who got COVID. So as well, it just was a thing that was going on and like, they caught it and I guess that was the way it was”.  

Trew has been traveling abroad for a range of international competitions and wants to travel to the French capital this time. At the 2019 World Skateboarding Championships, Ruby Trew bagged the coveted silver. Sporting a unique flair and the owner of a big bag of tricks, she won her first Bowlzilla when she was 12. Having a jam-packed schedule, she wishes to leave dominating nations like Japan, Brazil, and the US trailing behind. But what’s her ultimate goal?

Paris will be a fresh start for Trew

“I’ve got an opportunity to represent Australia, my country, and I’m just super proud that I can do that and show all the upcoming skaters in Australia that this is how Australian skaters roll”, she said. Her statement asserted that the youngster wants to inspire the young girls of the generation besides collecting laurels for herself. Her parents are her biggest support systems and their encouragement keeps her afloat.

“They do anything to get me here, they give up all their time and effort”. Juggling both surfing and skateboarding like a pro, Trew wants to make a mark on the World Championship Tour as well. Mentored by Olympian Poppy Star, the 14-year-old wants to pass the transition on like a true trailblazer. The Sydneysider who upgraded from her three-wheel scooter to the board will make her dad Simon Trew proud soon.