Two young Australian skateboarding prodigies made history by clinching gold medals at the X Games in California. Chloe Covell secured victory in the women’s street competition, while Arisa Trew dominated in the women’s vert category at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

To secure her gold, Trew skilfully executed the first 720 by a woman in X Games history, holding off the impressive 10-year-old Canadian, Reese Nelson, who claimed the silver medal, making her the youngest medallist in the event’s 29-year history.

Covell’s victory in the street skating discipline also made history, as she became the youngest winner in the X Games’ history in this category. Her triumph came after an intense competition featuring renowned skaters like Olympic gold medallist Momiji Nishiya of Japan and Brazilian star Leticia Bufoni. Having already won a bronze and a silver medal in previous X Games events, Covell showcased her exceptional skills with a brilliant final run, including a heel flip down a flight of stairs and a 50-50 kickflip.

Both Covell and Trew hail from the Gold Coast, and their remarkable performances have caught the attention of skateboarding enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Covell’s journey began at the age of six when she saw American star Nyjah Huston during an X Games broadcast with her father, Luke, a former professional rugby player. Her rapid rise in the sport positions her favourably to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics next year.

Reese Nelson, from Calgary, impressed skateboarding legend Tony Hawk during a recent event in Salt Lake City, leading to Hawk becoming a mentor and supporter of the young prodigy. Trew, who also participated in that event, landed the first 720 in competition by a woman, repeating the feat at the X Games in California to claim her gold.

With women’s vert skating returning to the X Games after a 13-year hiatus, Trew’s achievement holds special significance for the sport. Brazilian skater Gui Khury retains the title of the youngest gold medallist in X Games history, having won the men’s best vert trick competition at the age of 12 in 2021.

In the men’s street competition, US Olympian Jagger Eaton secured the gold medal, adding to the excitement and achievements at the prestigious X Games event.

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Photo Courtesy ABC News

Courtesy ABC News