Column: Lucy Weavers meets a seven-year-old with an Olympic dream
DURING lockdown, many people have discovered new interests and hobbies to keep themselves active.
Seven-year-old Lottie Kemp was no exception.
Back in November, Brightlingsea schoolgirl Lottie started watching 12-year-old skateboarder Sky Brown on YouTube.
She was inspired to take up the sport.
Having been given a small board when aged just four, Lottie asked her parents if she could purchase a penny board and saved up for this through doing chores for family and friends.
Once she acquired her new board, she practised nearly every day through the following lockdown.
Daredevil Lottie Kemp
As she was progressing fast, parents Thea Steady and Lee Kemp took her on a surprise trip to Attitude, in Colchester, where she got fully kitted out with the appropriate safety gear.
Lottie's mum, Thea, said of her daughter's new passion: "Lee and I were both sporty kids and we loved that Lottie wanted to try something different.
"We both now support her with weekend trips to skateparks as a family.
"The vibe is so welcoming and supportive at the skateparks, with older kids showing her how to correctly curve and pump."
Gazette columnist Lucy Weaver
There are two stances for skateboarding: Regular and Goofy.
'Regular' riders skate with their left foot in front and push with their right, whereas 'goofy' riders push with their left.
Once Lottie discovered she was a 'goofy', she practised how to go round fish bowls and curves correctly and with ease.
As is to be expected with such an extreme sport, Lottie has had three big injuries, including a bruised coccyx and burn-like marks on her legs.
However, every time she has pulled herself back up again, believing you should never go home on a low.
Lottie's skills continue to progress and the ramps she faces get bigger and bigger, with the youngster's dream to one day eventually skateboard in the Olympics.
Check out her Instagram page at @skaterboarder_lottie
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