A LITTLE body with a big heart.
Mazel Paris Alegado, a nine-year-old skateboarder, is the Philippines’ youngest representative at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Mazel finished seventh in the Women’s Park final, competing against eight others. Hinako Kusaki of Japan took home the gold medal.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Olympic Committee
The young skateboarder may have finished seventh in the tournament, but her amazing attitude towards the sport has earned her many fans.
Mazel described her skating journey in a video uploaded to the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 official account. “Well, we’re at my cousin’s house, and I saw my brother skateboarding,” she said.
“I was like, ‘Can I try, can I try?’ and I got on the board, and I just loved it,” the little athlete continued.
Mazel also spoke with CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk and revealed that she began skating when she was five years old.
“I loved how you could just cruise around everywhere. You could be who you wanna be and you could skate with your friends,” Mazel said.
Asian Games participation
To prepare for the Asian Games, the youngster spent eight hours a day skating in Portugal.
However, Mazel was unconcerned about the challenge of competing against the finest on the continent.
“I wasn’t really nervous; I was really excited about it,” she said.
Her parents’ main piece of advice before participating was to enjoy the experience, which the cute youngster took to heart.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Olympic Committee
Despite not winning the gold medal, Mazel was pleased with the experience she gained during the Asian Games. “This is my first time, and, yeah, I’m just really proud to skate in it,” she stated.
Skateboarding idol
In the interview, Mazel said that Olympic skateboarder Margielyn Didal is her inspiration and that she has spoken with her.
“She supported me a lot. She really pushed me to my limits, and she told me to say ‘Salamat po’,” the young athlete exclaimed with delight.
Aside from her, Kiko Francisco is another skateboarding figure she looks up to.
“I want to be like Kiko, because he really supports me a lot; he helps me with my lines, and yeah,” the adorable child replied.
Mazel shared a piece of her mind with others who aim to be like her.
“Don’t give up; try your hardest, and if boys can do it, girls can do it, [too],” she said.
Mazel plans to practice harder after the Asian Games, with the goal of reaching the Olympics just like her idol, Margielyn.
