Mazel Paris Alegado is not afraid to chase her goals. At age 5, she saw her brother skateboarding and wanted to see for herself if she could do it too. Three simple words kindled the start of her sporting dreams: “Can I try?” Now at ten years old, she has traveled all over the world to train and represent the Philippines in international skateboarding events.
While she’s based in California, she’s proudly the youngest Philippine representative at the 2023 Asian games, too. Her mother Pauline knows how great it is for a girl as young as Mazel to get this far. And still they both know her journey is far from over.
So, it’s important that they learn how to pace themselves and focus on the fun. “I always remind her that, you know, just have fun. Don’t be too serious.
It’s a long road,” she says. Fortunately, the sport has become a playground for so many young talents to thrive. At skate parks she’s trained in all over the world, Mazel has found friends the same age as her who share this same love for the sport.
The gold medalist at the 19th Asian Games, where Mazel placed 7th in the rankings, was 15 years old herself: Hinano Kusaki from Japan. “The community is amazing. They really like to push each other and help each other,” Pauline says.
“Even at competitions, you know, with skateboarding they really like supporting you and cheering you on.” On the concrete floor, the kids practice and play, and learn not to take each fall too seriously. Mazel brave.