Tempe’s Paige Heyn Shines at the Paris Olympics

While most 16-year-olds are busy learning to drive this summer, Tempe native Paige Heyn is making waves on a skateboard at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She just wrapped up her competition in the women’s skateboard street final, earning a commendable sixth place with a score of 163.23 points.

As one of the youngest members of Team USA and one of just three 16-year-olds on the team, Heyn has showcased her impressive skills. Known for her unique style as a switch rider, she advanced to the final round where only eight athletes competed after a tough elimination from 22 in the preliminaries.

In this epic showdown, fellow American Poe Pinson, a 19-year-old from Florida, snagged fifth place, marking Team USA’s best performance in this event at the Olympics. Japan’s Coco Yoshizawa took home the gold medal with a stellar score of 272.5 points.

At one point, Heyn was even in the running for a medal after nailing her second trick, a switch frontside 50/50, which scored an impressive 86.82 points. Unfortunately, she couldn’t complete her final trick, a switch frontside smith grind, also known as a “NBD” or “Never Been Done,” which would have pushed her toward the podium.

USA skateboarding coach John Nicholson shared his thoughts from Paris, expressing a bit of heartbreak at how close she was to snagging that bronze medal. “She was one switch smith grind away,” he said, reflecting on the performance. “It’s bittersweet to know she was so close, but she really handled the pressure like a pro.”

Nicholson also mentioned that Heyn likely felt relieved after the intense competition and noted that preparing for such a big event can be mentally taxing. But knowing her drive, he expects her break won’t last long.

Looking ahead, Heyn is sure to take valuable experience from Paris as she continues to grow in her sport. She’s been honing her media skills and is on the lookout for a sponsorship, focusing solely on her skating for now.

With the next Olympics set in Los Angeles in 2028, there’s a strong belief that we will see Paige Heyn compete again. “By then, she’ll be 20, right in her prime,” Nicholson added. “If she keeps progressing like this, she’ll be right in the mix for another shot at the podium.”