Olympic skateboarder, 18, discusses representing USA, how Games could grow sport

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Minna Stess said it best: Skateboarding is difficult to keep doing over a prolonged period.

Many go through the phase in childhood, but few stick with it to make it a habit and, eventually, a lifestyle. Of course, even fewer make it their profession.

But at 18 years old, Stess went from skating in her neighborhood to skating for gold; she competes in the women's park event on Tuesday.

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Minna Stess of the United States competes in the Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai on May 18, 2024. (Fred Lee/Getty Images)

"It’s sick. I never thought I’d be able to do that. It’s cool to have this opportunity. I had to work for it, so I’m stoked that my work paid off and I get to represent the U.S. … I’m just stoked, and I’m ready to compete," Stess said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

Skateboarding made its debut at the Tokyo Olympics, so when Stess was a child, she had zero plans to even consider going for gold.

"I’d just see gymnastics and be like ‘That’d be so cool if I can represent Team USA.’ Now, I can," she said.

Of course, we all know Tony Hawk, but that's about it. Stess said the Olympics can put skateboarding on a new pedestal.

Minna Stess of the United States competes in the Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai on May 18, 2024. (Fred Lee/Getty Images)

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"People have a lot of mixed opinions about it; I think it’s really sick," she said. "I think the Olympics will definitely get people into it. I think it’s a hard sport to stay on and keep going. I’m stoked that I’m here. I think it’s great, and