Pumping iron and dancing hip hop: Sky Brown mixing up her training routine
The Olympic medallist is back in the skate park with a new training regime that focuses on power, but still not forgetting to have fun - or miss any dance steps.
Skateboarding
It is not uncommon to see Sky Brown doing tricks on her skateboard or surfboard. Lately, however, the Olympic medallist can also often be found in the gym or on the dance floor.
In addition to training in her two signature sports, Brown's days are now filled with barbell workouts, mobility exercises, futsal rallies on a tennis court, choreographed hip hop numbers, ice baths and visits to the sauna. All of these are part of the 15-year-old's new approach to fitness, designed to make her the strongest she has even been as she aims for a second Olympic appearance, in Paris 2024.
“Skating for me isn't training. I skate every day because that's what I love to do, but I have been training, like actually working out a lot," Brown told Olympics.com. "I've been doing a lot of surf training, mobility. I've been working on myself and body a lot to get some more power."
Brown has sat out major skateboarding competitions in recent months to focus on surfing and was due to return to the skate park at the first Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) stage in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China in May. Those hopes were dashed when the British star tore her MCL in April, forcing her to delay the comeback until the next OQS stage in Budapest, Hungary.
Will the multi-sport phenom's new training routine power her through? Tune in to the livestream from the Olympic Qualifier Series, available on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympics app, to find out.
Beyond skating and surfing: Sky Browns new fitness regime
Sky Brown is no stranger to coming back from injury. Her biggest came in 2020 when she was hospitalised after a fall from a halfpipe ramp. She suffered a fractured skull and broken wrist, and had to undergo extensive rehabilitation.
The following year, Brown won bronze in the women’s park event at Tokyo 2020, and in 2022 was recognised with a Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award.
“Skating, it's a lot on your body. You fly and then you fall," Brown said. "You got to take care of yourself and your body. It's a lot on your body. Surfing, too. So I try to make sure I take care of my body, rest it, train it, and keep it healthy."
Keeping her body healthy has meant Brown is making a lot more visits to the gym recently. She is also cross training in other sports, which helps to add agility and individuality to her skating.
The skateboarder will look to show off that new flair during the Budapest stage of the Olympic Qualifier Series.
“I have not been in the recent skate events and I've been working on my surfing, but also I've been working on myself and it's definitely good to have some time," Brown said. "All I'm feeling is excitement. I can't wait to show some of my new tricks and I think I did get some more power and I feel like I did get stronger, so I can't wait to bring it on there."
Twenty out of the 22 spots available in the women's park event at Paris 2024 will be decided at the final Olympic qualifier. Facing a stellar line-up of young skateboarding talent, Brown is ready to rise to the occasion.
“The girls have increased the level so much. We've just been pushing and there's so many new tricks, so many gnarly tricks and so many girls are doing them now," she said. "A lot of the little ones are doing them too and it's so cool to see. I think it won't be easy, but I want to win, so I'm going to try my best.”
Sky Brown, put your records on
It is not only power that Brown wants to show when she comes to Budapest. It is also her individuality.
“When I skate, I like to show my style. When I surf too, I like to show my style and what I do different from other people," Brown said. "I like being a girly girl. I like to show that a little bit, but also look strong and powerful."
Here Brown's multi-sport training also proves useful. In addition to working out at the gym, the skateboarder is happy to let loose with a spontaneous or choreographed dance routine.
While dancing has always been a passion of hers, it was not until Brown competed in Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018 - ripping into first place with a perfect-scoring, surfboard-themed salsa in the final - that she also added serious dancing skills to her resume.
As six years ago, music is a constant companion in Brown's life. The athlete listens to music before, during and after training sessions with songs by Canadian rapper Drake often on replay.
A good pop tune is also a favourite go-to. In 2020, Brown even went a step further, transforming from listener to singer, when she released her female empowering single “Girl”.
“I'm a big music girl,” Brown said. “I have a surf playlist. It's like a hype playlist, which is when I need to get hyped up and then a chilling playlist. I can have it all.”