It was probably at the age of six that I received my first pair of rollerblades for my birthday. I would rollerblade to and from school enjoying zooming past all the people in Kensington Gardens. For me skating has always been a part of my life. Putting my skates on is just like a fast pair of shoes. Having mainly done inline skating at the age of 10 I received a pair of aggressive skates and found myself going up and down ramps. It was when I broke my nose that I gave this up, and re started inline skating.

At twelve I started skating round cups in Hyde Park and ever since I have loved being in the parks and enjoying the ever growing skating community. Sometimes it is also nice to just go into the park and listen to music while rollerblading. It is one of my most relaxing releases of energy.

As well as enjoying purely going fast I’ve also always enjoyed helping others to skate.

Being able to remember the things that I always struggled with has enhanced my ability to teach. I taught both my brothers and sister to skate, and helped many people in the park.

Being able to recall the feeling of insecurity when I first stepped onto a skateboard four years ago, which is undoubtedly a similar feeling to those who first step into skates, allows me to sympathise with those who think the idea of rolling on your feet is petrifying.

I’m currently on a ‘year off’ before starting Imperial College to study
engineering. I will go away in January for 5 months to India but will return in early June.