AS a young skateboarder, Jamie de Villiers possesses all the characteristics of an up-and-coming star. Full of charisma and drive, the 12-year-old is one of the North’s rising talents.
In the recent Kimberly Diamond Cup Skateboarding Champs, the Virginia Preparatory School Grade 7 pupil finished third, a remarkable feat considering it was his first SA champs.
He was the only KZN skater to win at the champs, which featured some of the most talented skaters from across the country. Sporting bruises on his knees and shins that are trademarks of a skater’s craft, Jamie looked at the Northglen News reporter and shrugs nonchalantly, “the pain is all worth it,” he said as he stepped on his board and plunged down a wall of concrete, piloting his board through a series of moves that at times defy gravity.
The Durban North resident, who has his own makeshift skate park in his backyard, courtesy of his dad, Warren, grinds a half-pipe with a smile of pure unadulterated joy.
“Nothing compares to how skating makes me feel. I started skating when I was eight and at first I fell a lot. I even had stitches in my shin, but every time I fell, I knew I wasn’t going to give up. I got up each time and practised and tried harder to perfect the moves. I was pretty pleased with my performances in the SA champs but I kept thinking I should have gotten silver. I’m looking forward to next year’s competition and bettering my bronze medal,” he said.
Jamie said having his own personal skate park was also one of the reasons he feels he has been able to excel at the sport.
“It’s very cool and it’s helped me gain so much confidence. I use it every day and I’ve learned so much about perfecting jumps and tricks. It’s the best,” he said enthusiastically.
