Rising Star Jessica Ready Shines in Global Skateboarding Competitions

A standout among young athletes, Jessica Ready, a 15-year-old skateboarder from east Auckland, is making significant strides in the world of skateboarding. Over the past few years, she has competed in top-tier events both in New Zealand and internationally, establishing herself as a rising star in the sport. With aspirations to reach the pinnacle of global skateboarding rankings, she is setting her sights on future competitions leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Jessica is preparing for her first World Skate competition next month in Japan, an important step in the Olympic qualification process. “Hopefully I’ll get to some more World Skate comps in the lead up to LA28 and earn enough points to get through to the Olympics,” she explained. Her enthusiasm for competition is palpable, and she is also keen on participating in more XGames events if given the opportunity.

Having begun her competitive journey in local events, Jessica quickly gained recognition for her impressive performances. “I started out doing comps in New Zealand then Australia,” she shared. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve been to some World Skate events and had the chance to visit Tokyo, Dubai, Shanghai, and Budapest.” Each experience has been enriching, especially her recent appearance at the XGames in the United States, where she became the first New Zealander to win a medal, securing bronze in the women’s street competition.

Jessica’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She was awarded Junior Sportswoman of the Year at the Howick Sports Awards this year, a testament to her hard work and dedication. “I was really surprised and happy. That night I was on my way to northern Queensland for a comp with some other Skateboarding New Zealand skaters,” she recounted, noting that her mentor, Aaron Martin, president of East Skate Club, accepted the award on her behalf.

In addition to her competitive success, Jessica has excelled in various competitions, including first-place finishes at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Skateboarding Championships and the New Zealand Skateboard Nationals. Her passion for skateboarding extends beyond her personal achievements; she actively mentors younger skaters, inspiring the next generation of girls in action sports. “Jessica isn’t just a champion athlete,” remarked Wendy Meyer, the MC at the Howick Sports Awards. “She mentors younger skaters, training at local facilities.”

Jessica’s journey began at the age of nine when she started skating with her father, Alan. “Once I started going to my local park at Barry Curtis, I was influenced by the guys skating there, especially Lenard Tejada,” she recalled. Her involvement with Girls Skate NZ and East Skate Club has further fueled her growth in the sport. “Aaron Martin at ESC is the best, and he always looks out for me,” she noted.

When asked about the essence of skateboarding, Jessica emphasized the sense of freedom it brings. “The greatest part about skateboarding is the community. I have met some really cool people along the way,” she said. She expressed gratitude towards her parents, coaches, and sponsors, including Boardertown, Irrom Distribution, Nike SB, and Monster Army, for their unwavering support.

As she prepares for the next chapter in her skateboarding career, Jessica Ready continues to embody the spirit of the sport, blending talent with dedication. With her impressive track record and commitment to mentoring others, she is poised to leave a lasting impact in the world of skateboarding.