Paris 2024 Olympic Games: “Being the youngest feels a little weird,” says Louise-Aina Taboulet, the skater from Leucate

Elle vient d’avoir 15 ans. Louis-Aina Taboulet sera la plus jeune Tricolore à Paris. SYLVIE CAMBON

Le 6 août, elle a rendez-vous sur la place de la Concorde. À seulement 15 ans.

The contrast is striking. Between Louise-Aina Taboulet and her parents, water and fire intertwine. At just 15 years old, the youngest tricolor athlete selected for the Olympic Games (read elsewhere) is going through her adolescence slowly, her skateboard slung over her shoulder.

Mom and Dad are never far away. They talk loudly, they get excited, they run around everywhere. They have to manage “Nana's” schedule – that morning a press appointment followed by a trip to the hairdresser – and the family business, the Wesh Center Crew in Leucate. This windsurfing school is always full. Not to mention the adjoining restaurant, which is stormed as soon as the tourists have finished their physical activity.

Julien and Caroline are former professional windsurfers. They have scoured all the most beautiful spots in the world before returning home. Louis-Aina (the earth) got her first name from a climb in Hawaii and her passion from a first skateboard bought on Prado beach in Marseille. Ten years and a few fractures (ankle, wrist, etc.) later, she is getting ready to take part in her first Olympics.

It will be on August 6, on the Place de la Concorde.“I saw the images on TV, the kid relishes. Being in the heart of Paris, in the middle of all these monuments, one of the most visited places in the capital, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, it's magnificent, incredible.”

Also read: Paris 2024 Olympics: calendar, date, location, history… Everything you need to know about street skateboarding

Beyond the aesthetics, the choice of the organizing committee says a lot about the place taken by skateboarding in the Olympic program after only one edition (Tokyo 2020). Tony Estanguet has never hidden it, urban sports are the future of the Games. More than karate, sent to the bottom without mercy.

Louise-Aina Taboulet lives her adventure far from all these political fights. "I'm just super excited, super happy to represent France… Being the youngest? It's a bit weird but I'll still try to lead by example."

Chaperoned at the Olympic Village

Minority obliges, in the village, she will be "chaperoned" permanently. "Marine Montesinos, who follows me all year round during the World Cups, will be by my side all the time. I know her very well, it's very cool."

On the day of the competition, she won't really be alone either. Family, friends and part of the Leucate population will travel to the capital. If she admits to feeling "a little stress", it’s without pressure that she intends to get through this unique moment. "These are my first Games, at worst there will be Los Angeles (in 4 years), Brisbane (8 years old).I will try to get the best ranking possible. If I'm not in the final, it doesn't matter."

20th in the world (park category), Louis Aina Taboulet is not yet scheduled for a podium. The important thing is elsewhere. "There is the community, she reminds, the other skaters. Between us, there is a lot of solidarity. We are united." Whatever happens and whoever wins. "That’s what I prefer about skateboarding, more than the sensations of gliding, speed or flying."

"Have fun, do what you have to do, do what makes you happy", him suggested his dad. "That’s the most important thing. Afterwards, if she is in the final and if she wants to let go of the watts…" Who knows.

Lucie Schoonheere (22nd in the world in street), not yet 15 years old, is the other youngest member of the French Olympic team. I subscribe to read more