Destined to SOAR.
This interview series is aimed at celebrating, recognising and promoting the incredible talent and ferocious courage of our young women of tomorrow.
Let's recognise the magnificent effort of girls' in sport across all codes!
Today our interview is with youth sensation Emma Oravec. Soar Active had the privilege to catch up with Emma and chat about her love for Skateboarding.
1. Emma, Tell us about your early life?
Emma: I am 14 years old and I was born in Melbourne, Australia. I have four sisters Skye, Alysha, Paige and Chloe so it there is never a dull moment in our household! When I was around 3 or 4 I started dance lessons with some of my friends. I loved it! Since then I have tried so many more sports including netball, basketball, swimming, athletics and so many more. Being active always made me happy! Away from sport, I loved spending time with my friends and family whether it be going to watch a movie or spending the day at the beach.
2. So how did you discover skateboarding?
Emma: The first time I ever discovered skateboarding was on my Dad’s phone when I was younger, I watched a video of Charlotte Heath flying around the bowl in Vans Park Series back in 2017. During lockdown in 2021 was when I rediscovered skateboarding again. I saw a video of Sky Brown on YouTube doing 540’s and I was in awe.
3. What was the next step?
Emma: For my next birthday all I wanted was a skateboard. I spent ages online looking for the perfect board to be the first board I would ever step on. Within the next week I had found the board I wanted, it was a tie dye board and I loved it! I waited eagerly for my birthday the next year. After waiting for months it was my birthday and I finally got a skateboard, and that is where it all began.
4. How do you balance your competitive training and school?
Emma: Sometimes it can get a bit tough as I want to go skate but I have tests to study for and homework to complete which sometimes interferes. I always manage to find a way though! To me skating isn’t training, it’s just like having fun at a playground like when I was a little kid. Skating is a big part of my life and makes me happy. Instead of seeing skating as something I need to train to be better than people at, I progress at my own level and push myself.
5. What do you do in your downtime?
Emma: One of my favourite things to do in my downtime is hangout with my friends at the beach and go for a surf! I love to be in the ocean and just take the time to relax and just have fun. I also love travelling to different states and countries and adventuring and exploring new places. I always get excited every time we go on a new trip!
6. What makes you feel happy, brave and strong?
Emma: Landing a new trick that you have been working really hard on, will always be the best feeling ever. No matter how many falls you take just get back and and give it another go. Falling is just part of skateboarding. Every time you fall it just makes you stronger. The adrenaline you get when you get a new trick is beyond words. It’s one of the best feelings you will ever experience!
7. Tell us about a special moment in the last year?
Emma: When I did a melon grab over the resi box for the first time at The Shed Skatepark. I was skating with my friends Heili and Miila Sirvio and Heili told me to try and air the box. At first I was skeptical because I had never done anything like it before but I still gave it a go. The first time I was really far off didn’t think I had any chance in landing it. Heili gave me some advice and I tried it over and over again getting closer each time. I kept landing on the board but just slipping off at the end. I hadn’t landed it yet and my Dad said that it was time to go. I had one last shot at it before I had to go. I rolled down the ramp and launched over the box, I landed it. Excitement was an understatement, I pretty much screamed The Shed down with happiness.
8. What is your ultimate goal?
Emma: Just to have fun, push myself past my limits and see where it takes me. I love skateboarding with all my heart and can’t see myself without it. Just to never give up and get better, better and better. I would one day love to compete in Exposure, which is a massive girls competition located in California once every year!
9. What is your favourite attribute about yourself?
Emma: Managing to smile or laugh in even the hardest of times. Sometimes some situations can be upsetting or can make you angry but just being able to have a laugh and relieve the tension even if it’s just for a short about of time.
10. What would you say to other young females about following their dreams?
Emma: Go for it. Don’t follow your dreams, chase them. Never give up, no matter how many times you don’t get it right. Learn from each mistake you make. If your not making mistakes your not learning anything. Push yourself beyond your limits no matter what your goal is. Just have fun and enjoy your own journey!
11. What has skateboarding taught you about life?
Emma: Not everything is perfect. Your going to fail sometimes but that’s just a part of life. If something doesn’t go right once and you just give up, it’s going to get you nowhere. No matter how many times you have to pick yourself up just keep trying until you eventually get it right!
Follow Emma's journey on Instagram
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Know another inspiring young teen or want to be featured?
Email us at hq@soaractive.com with your story.
