Young enthusiasts in the UAE were recently given a golden chance to learn skateboarding tricks from two-time Australian-American Olympic gold medalist Keegan Palmer. Palmer returned to the Aljada Skate Park in Sharjah to coach and mentor children. Over the weekend, many had the opportunity to attend exclusive masterclasses, meet-and-greet sessions, and participate in competitions at the facility. Some even got the chance to pose with Keegan’s gold medal for photographs and get their skateboards signed by the athlete.
It has been three years since the 21-year-old was appointed the brand ambassador of Aljada Skate Park, the largest and most innovative skate park in the region. Since then, he has visited the country three times a year, aiming to create his own legacy in the region. Keegan, who grew up in Australia, won gold at the inaugural men's park skateboarding competition in Tokyo in 2020. Earlier this year, he solidified his status as an unbeatable skateboarder by winning gold at the Paris Olympics 2024. His winning run in the final set an early benchmark that nobody could match.
City Times caught up with him to discuss his experiences. Here are excerpts from the interview. Why did you start coming to the UAE? After winning gold in the men's park skateboarding competitions at Tokyo 2020, my goal was to create skateparks and communities in places that didn't have them. This opportunity presented itself, and I knew the skating community here was very small. Since then, the park has grown tremendously. Seeing the kids improve each time I visit is amazing, and this is what I love about what I do.
What do you think of the skating community in the UAE? Since my first visit, the skating scene in the UAE has grown tenfold. It's incredible to see the kids doing tricks that I do. It proves that with the right support, you can really excel and achieve great things.
How was it preparing for the Olympics? In 2018, the announcement of skateboarding being included in the Olympics was a surprise. We didn’t do any specific preparation because we've been skating our whole lives. For the Tokyo Olympics, I was just happy to qualify. I didn't expect to win, so it was a crazy feeling. Paris was more stressful because everyone was chasing the top spot.
What do you love about skating? What excites me is that every time I stand on my skateboard, I can learn something new. It's like being an artist with a canvas. Once you get past the beginner stage, you can start expressing yourself creatively. The coolest trick I can do now is the 540, where you spin 540 degrees in the air.
Tell us a little about your childhood and family. My dad was born and raised in New York City, and my mum in South Africa. They met in San Diego and fell in love with Australia on their honeymoon. We moved there when I was one. I have a younger brother who is 18 and excels at surfing, golf, and cooking.
What have you been doing in the UAE? I've been enjoying the local food. Two years ago, I visited a traditional Middle Eastern restaurant, and it was amazing. Since then, I've been hooked.
What advice do you have for young skaters? Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can help you showcase your skills. If you love skating, you'll practice a lot, and that practice will make you better. Keep at it, and if you can get back up after falling, you can go far.
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