The beauty of being a genuinely international skateboarding talent search is that it throws open avenues of opportunity to deserving people who otherwise would lie far down skateboarding’s historically uptight avenues of gatekeeping. Medellin’s Jazmin Alvarez has got star power. Although a relatively late starter in skateboarding by today’s competitive standards, she is carving out a lane all her own.
The repeat Colombian women’s champion joined the World Skateboarding Tour as part of the IOC’s Youth Athlete Development programme which identifies potential future stars from nations who’s sporting priorities lie elsewhere.
With a sunny disposition, great style and charisma to spare, Jazmin entered the WST World Championship 2022 in Sharjah and impressed everyone: terrific heelflips, smith grinds like a veteran pro and boned ollies in a way only Gabi Mazetto can match. Although she was unable to improve on her 18th place in Sharjah at WST Rome Street this summer, she is improving constantly and quickly becoming one of the new lights of the international women’s scene. Currently lying a respectable 26th within the OWSR, we checked in with her right after she took part in Colombia’s outrageous downhill jam Diversion En La Loma to give her an opportunity to introduce herself to the wider skateboarding world.
Ladies and gentlemen: Jazmin Alvarez!
Hi again, Jazmin- can you tell us a little bit about where you come from?
I come from a small neighbourhood in the city of Medellín- I’m the youngest of three siblings. I used to play basketball; then I started skateboarding when I was 15 years old and it changed my life completely. Thanks to skateboarding I have a better life now, today.
What can you tell us about the skate scene in Colombia today?
Compared to four years ago when I just started competing, the scene has improved- but, unfortunately we don't have a consolidated skate culture. You can't find skateparks which are set up properly for competition level… also, making a living just from skateboarding -as an athlete- isn't possible at the moment, here.
Tell us about your experience on the World Skateboarding Tour so far?
It’s been a dream; I never thought that I could be supported by as big an entity as the World Skateboarding Tour. It makes me feel recognised and valued as an athlete; knowing that I have this big help, I can focus all my energy on training and getting ready to improve.
Ph: Mark Dillon
Which stop did you like best so far- Sharjah, or Rome? Why?
Each stop had a magic to it, but I loved Sharjah because it was my first time visiting that country; it was a place that seemed far beyond my possibilities. I experienced that trip with a different energy- I’ll never forget those moments.
What do you hope for yourself for the future?
I hope to make a living from skateboarding, representing my country all around the world and being a good example for all the future girls who hope to do the same or have similar dreams about this beautiful sport. I want to have fun doing what I love the most- skateboarding!
Ph: Mark Dillon
Who are your favourite skaters?
Marisa del Santo... and Fabiana Delfino!
How can World Skate help make opportunities for people who come from a country where skateboarding isn't that big?
In the same way that they’re helping me- supporting, creating spaces for new talents, bringing in different brands that can support with implementation for other people…
Ph: Mark Dillon
How was Diversion En La Loma?
It was super fun- and challenging. I love the way everyone can be involved in those events even if they don’t have a skateboard; you can feel the support of the whole neighbourhood and the visitors from everywhere.
Do you have a message that you’d like to share with the world?
Don't stop doing and enjoying what you like, even if it gets hard- because there are people outside, somewhere, happy to help you reach your goals.
Ph: Jake Darwen