Fresh from achieving historic success at the ongoing 33rd SEA Games, Thai skateboard “wonder kid” Chunkao “Mini” Udomphen is not only looking to follow in the footsteps of her idol by competing at the Olympic Games, but has also set her sights on winning a medal on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
On Sunday evening, the 10-year-old, as diminutive as her nickname suggests, lit up the SAT Extreme Sports Park with a dazzling display that belied her age, winning the women’s street event in the skateboarding competition at the home Games.
Mini’s sheer acrobatic ability and refined skills left the crowd mesmerised, while her competitors — including Vareeraya “ST” Sukasem, the athlete she idolises — were left in her wake as the young prodigy amassed an outstanding total score of 160.34 points with a near-flawless performance.
With her remarkable triumph, Mini, who hails from the northeastern province of Nong Khai, etched her name into Thai sporting folklore by becoming the youngest Thai athlete to win a SEA Games title.
She broke the long-standing record held by gymnastics legend Teerat Phophanich, who claimed the first of his record 22 gold medals at the age of 13.
“I’m so proud of myself. I felt excited while competing and never thought I could do it,” Mini said. “When I made a mistake, I didn’t feel pressure because I knew my level and just needed to move on.
“I would like to dedicate this gold medal to my parents. They taught me how to skateboard, so I want to give them this gift,” she added, before explaining how she took up the sport.
“I started learning skateboarding in my hometown, Nong Khai, when I was four years old. My dad didn’t want me to ride a bicycle because he was afraid I might fall into the water.
“The skateboard I use is painted with a devil character. I’m also a devil — a skateboard devil girl,” Mini said with a smile.
Speaking about competing alongside her idol Vareeraya — the youngest Thai Olympian when she competed in Paris last year at the age of 12 — Mini said: “I have Sister ST as my idol.
Having the chance to perform on the same field with her, and seeing her win the bronze medal as well, made me very happy.”
Inspired by her idol’s achievements, Mini is now aiming even higher — with her eyes firmly set on the Olympic Games.
“ST’s Olympic appearance gave me inspiration. I really want to qualify for the Olympics like her. Hopefully, I can win Olympic gold,” Mini said, her eyes sparkling with ambition.
