Two teenagers vying for a spot at the Paris Olympics have built the largest skate ramp in the southern hemisphere to prepare. Aaliyah and Keefer Wilson's 90-metre long 'mega ramp' helping them prepare to jump for gold.

Gippsland

Two Australian teenagers, Aaliyah and Keefer Wilson, are dedicated to achieving their dream of competing in the Paris Olympics by constructing the largest skate ramp in the southern hemisphere. The monumental structure, a 90-metre long "mega ramp," symbolizes their commitment to excelling in skateboarding and potentially securing a gold medal for their country. The siblings' journey is not only a testament to their passion for skateboarding but also an inspiration to the skateboarding community and aspiring Olympians.

The mega ramp, standing at an impressive 28 feet, represents a significant achievement for Aaliyah and Keefer. Despite facing challenges along the way, including Aaliyah's temporary hiatus from skateboarding and Keefer’s initial disinterest, they have demonstrated resilience and determination. Their experiences, from overcoming injuries to rediscovering their love for the sport, underscore the trials and triumphs of pursuing professional skateboarding. This has also brought them closer as siblings, sharing the joy of traveling and competing together. Their story highlights the transformative impact of perseverance and familial support in reaching for one’s dreams.

Aaliyah and Keefer's dedication to skateboarding extends beyond personal achievement. They view their participation in the Olympics as an opportunity to elevate the sport's profile and inspire a new generation of skaters. The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics has already catalyzed interest among younger athletes, a trend the Wilson siblings are excited to contribute to. For them, representing Australia on the global stage is about more than competition; it's about showcasing the spirit of skateboarding and sharing their love for the sport with the world.



The 'mega ramp' helping our skaters prepare for Paris

This one is 28 foot. Yeah, I was pretty happy. I just feel like it's so exciting that you can do something new. I was terrified. Lots of practicing on it. I stopped skating for ages and then I started skating again. Yeah, before she stopped skating, she was like way better than me. Oh, yeah, he was never interested. I was like, woo! And then I broke my arm and then I hated skating. And then he kind of just got really good. I decided that I wanted to get good too. The first time I did it, it was pretty sick. I was just like, wow, I didn't know I could do this. And it was pretty sweet. But now it's just kind of like, I've done it so long that it's just kind of normal now. It's pretty cool getting to travel with family and being able to see different parts of the world together. It's pretty sweet. It's definitely fun doing it with a sibling. Skateboarding being in the Olympics has really helped the sport. When you're chasing your dream, you just make sacrifices for it. You want to do well for your family and yourself and all the hard work you put into it. There is always pressure, but at the end of the day, it's just something you love and you just want to have fun. Already, there's so many younger skaters that are just so hyped for skating, which is really cool. So I think in the next few years, it's going to be a very popular sport. I love seeing new people kind of skate. I wish I could help them out, give them prod off. Yeah, it's sick because I remember that was me one day and seeing them is sick. It would mean a lot. It would be really cool to represent my country and show everyone what skating is about and hopefully, you know, have fun and just make Australia proud. I guess I just was like, yeah, sure, I'll do the Olympics if I can. And now, like, I'm really keen on it and it would be amazing to represent Australia in the Olympics.

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