Julia Benedetti: Skateboarding’s Rising Star from Galicia

Who Is Julia Benedetti?

Julia Benedetti was born in A Coruña in 2004. At just 16 years old she became one of Spain’s first skateboarders to compete at the Olympic Games. She represented her country in Tokyo 2020 and again in Paris 2024, making her the only Spanish skater to have taken part in both Olympic editions so far.

From Tokyo to Paris: Two Very Different Olympics

Tokyo 2020 – A Historic Debut

The Tokyo Games marked skateboarding’s first appearance on the Olympic stage. Because of the pandemic, the event felt strange: no spectators, strict bubbles, and limited freedom outside the Olympic Village. Julia enjoyed competing but felt she didn’t get the full Olympic experience.

Paris 2024 – The Real Olympic Vibe

In Paris the atmosphere was completely different. Crowds cheered, athletes mingled across disciplines, and the city buzzed with energy. Julia says competing with the public made the Games feel truly special and gave her a taste of what she had always imagined.

Looking Ahead: Los Angeles 2028

Julia’s next goal is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, widely regarded as the modern birthplace of skateboarding. She knows the qualifying road is long, but she’s excited to keep improving and to represent Spain once more.

Keeping the Soul of Skateboarding Alive

Why Culture Matters

Professional skating has brought better funding, more visibility, and structured competitions governed by World Skate. Julia worries that the sport could lose its street‑roots vibe if we focus only on medals and rankings.

Learning from Mentors

Coaches like Alain Goikoetxea, Jaime Mateu, and Dani Leon have passed down the skate culture to Julia since she was a kid. She believes events that blend sport with urban life—such as festivals and street jams—are essential to keep that spirit alive.

Changing Perceptions in Spain

Before skateboarding entered the Olympics, many families saw it as a risky or negative activity. Now, thanks to Olympians like Julia, more parents view skating as a positive sport and encourage their kids to give it a try.

GRAVITEO: A Festival for All Urban Sports

Julia will be at GRAVITEO, a free festival held at the Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya from July 17‑19. The event mixes skateboarding, scooter freestyle, roller freestyle, climbing, speed skating, and popular races.

She loves how festivals like this let people discover new disciplines. A spectator who comes for climbing might fall in love with skateboarding, and vice‑versa. This cross‑pollination helps urban sports grow together.

The Current State of Spanish Skateboarding

Julia feels Spain is experiencing one of its best moments in skateboarding. The national team is strong, and Spanish skaters have been winning world titles despite having fewer facilities than powerhouse nations like Brazil, the USA, Australia, or Japan.

She credits this success to hard work, supportive coaches, and a growing community that values both competition and culture.

Conclusion

Julia Benedetti’s journey shows how a young athlete can balance elite competition with the authentic spirit of skateboarding. From her Olympic debut in Tokyo to her upcoming goals for Los Angeles 2028, she remains committed to pushing her limits while protecting the culture that made the sport special. Festivals like GRAVITEO and the encouragement of mentors will keep skateboarding thriving in Spain for the next generation.

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Images Credit: www.diariodemallorca.es