The amazing life of Egoitz Bijueska, from being "the worst of his friends" to the best skater in the world: "In every session you know you're going to give yourself a hard time"

At just 15 years old, Egoitz Bijueska has already become one of the most accomplished skateboarders in the world. Born in Bilbao in 2010, the young athlete has won the World Championships at age 14 and secured gold and silver medals at the X Games, one of the most prestigious competitions in his sport. His recent success has transformed his life dramatically, altering both how he views and practices skateboarding, while also increasing his travel schedule and competition commitments. Speaking to El Mundo, Bijueska described the changes in his life over the past year, noting how his approach to the sport has evolved alongside his growing reputation. What stands out most about Bijueska’s journey is not merely his early talent but the long road he has traveled to reach this point. He took his first steps into skateboarding at the age of seven, though his initial efforts were far from impressive. By nine, he was considered the worst among his friends, a fact he admits with some embarrassment. However, rather than giving up, he dedicated himself to practicing up to five hours a day, especially during a summer five years ago. This intense training eventually paid off, propelling him toward professional success. Since then, his career has taken off rapidly, making him a standout figure in the sport. Currently, Bijueska leads the rankings in the park discipline, nearly doubling the score of the second-place competitor, who is more than a decade older. In the top 25 of the world rankings, only one other skateboarder his age, American Jake Familton, ranks similarly high, positioned at number 23. Despite his youth, Bijueska faces challenges typical of elite athletes. He admits that competing can be stressful, even though he does not struggle with concentration. His mother plays a crucial role in helping him manage these pressures, often accompanying him to competitions and providing emotional support during high-stakes moments. Bijueska's parents have been instrumental in supporting his career, particularly after they recognized his potential at the age of 12. The lack of adequate skate facilities in the Basque Country forced them to relocate to California for extended periods, where the infrastructure better suits competitive skateboarding. This decision allowed Bijueska to train in environments closer to those found in international competitions. Now, the family enjoys well-deserved vacations in Bilbao, yet Bijueska remains deeply committed to his sport. He plans to continue competing until retirement, aiming to become a coach and share his knowledge with future generations. The demands of his profession require constant focus, especially during the brief 45-second rounds common in competitions. During these intervals, there is no room for error or hesitation. Bijueska explains that thinking about falling can lead to actual falls, as fear can impair performance. Instead, he focuses entirely on executing each trick flawlessly. He recalls one particular challenge: mastering a 900-degree spin, which required 37 attempts, including 17 on a softer ramp and 20 on a standard wooden ramp. One attempt ended in a dramatic fall, yet he refused to give up, understanding that overcoming fear is essential to progress. Despite the physical and mental toll of his career, Bijueska continues to feel a sense of fear with every session. He acknowledges that setbacks are inevitable but insists that facing them head-on is necessary for growth. As he prepares for future competitions, his determination remains unwavering, driven by a deep passion for skateboarding and a desire to inspire others through his journey.