VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Skater Minna Stess Sets Sights On Paris Olympics

U.S. skateboarder Minna Stess is looking forward to the Paris Olympics, not just for the competition but also for the chance to savor her first authentic French croissant.

“I’ve never been to Paris, so I think this is the perfect time to go,” Stress said. However, she acknowledges that her Olympic journey is far from guaranteed. “Obviously, I want to get there first. It’s not set in stone yet. I still have two more qualifiers.”

Reflecting on the Tokyo Olympics, where spectators were absent due to Covid-19 restrictions, Stress believes the crowd’s return in Paris will significantly impact the competition. “Not having a crowd is definitely kind of weird. We as skaters kind of feed off the crowd,” she said. “I try to feed off it in a low-key way and not let it get to me.”

Stress anticipates a higher level of competition in women’s park skating compared to Tokyo. “It’s evolved so much. I’m excited to see what people throw down,” she said.

The 2024 Games could also boost skateboarding’s popularity. “Women’s park skating, the level has gone up rapidly,” Stress noted. “The Olympics shows people what skateboarding is really about, that we’re just having fun and enjoying what we do.”

As for her approach to facing opponents, Stress focuses inward. “I just skate a lot. I’m kind of in the gym now,” she said. “I try to stay calm and focus on what I’m doing, not let things around me that I can’t control get to me.”