CALOUNDRA SKATER SHINES IN INTERNATIONAL DEBUT IN ROME
Thirteen-year-old Ellie Burrows took to the world stage in early June competing in Europe for the first time at the World Skate Tour. Sunshine Coast Sports was lucky enough to catch up with Ellie before she jetted off.
After submitting a standout video entry featuring two 45-second skatepark runs and three of her best tricks, Ellie earned her spot among some of the world’s best. “Rome is a huge step for me,” she says. “I’ll be skating against some of the best in the world, and it honestly means everything to me to have earned a place there.”
Beginning her skating journey in the parks of Caloundra, the young gun is grateful to her Dad for introducing her to the sport at a young age, ““It started as something fun we did together, but I got hooked quickly,” she recalls. “Dad saw potential in how I was progressing and helped me build confidence to take on bigger obstacles.”
Ellie attributes her continued growth and motivation to the tight-knit local community, as well as the broader Sunshine Coast skate scene. “Whether I’m at the local skateparks or just practicing on the rail out the front of my house, the support I get really pushes me to keep going.”
Ellie’s ambitions have also been fuelled by watching the sport of skateboarding make its Olympic debut in 2024, “It gave young skaters like me something to really aim for. Getting there one day is a big dream, but I’m putting in the work every day to make it possible.”
Mature beyond her years, Ellie is mindful of the sport’s physical demands and takes her safety seriously. “I always wear all my pads — helmet, knee, elbow, and wrist guards — so I can go for bigger tricks without being scared. Knowing I’m protected helps me push myself while staying safe.”
These precautions came in handy for Ellie during the video filming process knowing that she would be pushing her limits in her endeavours to put together the best video entry possible, “Filming during peak school holidays was tough — parks were crowded, and I had to stay focused. Just finishing that process felt like an achievement.”
Proud of the work she put in to independently achieve the goal of qualifying for Rome, Ellie was overwhelmed with excitement to give it her all, “Qualification meant a lot because it showed I could do it without being part of the usual pathways. Now being able to represent internationally feels like a big step forward.”
After taking on Rome with enthusiasm and relentless drive, we cannot wait to continue to follow Ellie’s journey and wouldn’t be surprised to see her donning the green and gold as we head towards Brisbane 2032.
Follow @ellieburrowsskatergirl to follow Ellies journey and head to @sunshinecoastsports to stay up to date with all things Sunny Coast Sport.
Ellie and her family would like to extend their gratitude to the local community for the support and encouragement throughout this journey with special shout outs to Aussie World, Caloundra RSL, Maleny Dairies, Pitchers Hospitality and Ghanda who supported with fundraising.
