Photo credit: Atiba Jefferson, American photographer and skateboarder
Dad, I’m gonna be a pro skateboarder when I grow up, a young Paige Heyn confidently declared to her father at just five or six years old.
Today, the Tempe native is living out that dream, emerging as a formidable presence in the world of street skateboarding. Paige has risen through the ranks with a powerful and technical style while overcoming challenges. Her relentless determination and undeniable talent have quickly established her as one of the sport’s exciting rising stars.
The path to the Olympics is demanding and requires immense sacrifices—something Paige, now 16, understands all too well. “They stack up,” said her father, Brendon Heyn, acknowledging the many personal costs his daughter has endured as she works to become a skateboarding champion. Among these sacrifices is the loss of a typical teenage social life. Due to her rigorous training and travel schedule, Paige doesn’t have many local friends, but she’s forged deep connections with peers from around the world.
Skateboarding also provided Paige with a much-needed escape during a challenging period. When her parents divorced five years ago, it was difficult for her, but focusing on skateboarding helped her navigate those challenges.” It gave her a place to be free of the stresses,” her dad said.
Paige’s skateboarding path began when she was just four years old, thanks to a homemade board from her uncle. By age eight, she was training at Kids That Rip (KTR), an indoor action sports center owned by the family of Olympic gold medalist Jagger Eaton. Although she started skateboarding later than many, Paige’s talent, mindset, and rapid progression quickly set her apart.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was not only one of the youngest members of Team USA but also one of only three 16-year-olds on the team. Paige’s impressive performance earned her a sixth-place finish with 163.23 points in the women’s skateboard street final, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
But it’s time to get back to the grind. Paige has her sights on the next Olympics in Los Angeles. After training and making it to the Paris Olympics, she knows the hard work that goes into it. Paige’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and exceptional talent. As she continues to rise in the world of skateboarding, she remains a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance.
