THE NEW NORMAL | FILE.07 SAKURA YOSOZUMI - SKATER

Since 1898, RIMOWA has been a leader in travel, with an evolving selection of thoughtful tools that facilitate journeys near and far. Its global brand campaign, “Never Still,” embodies this ambitious mindset with impactful stories from high-profile friends of the brand who are pursuing excellence in their field. Now, a special project in Japan, titled “The New Normal”, will showcase local Japanese influencers as they share what has kept them motivated during the most difficult of circumstances.

For the final episode, RIMOWA features Sakura Yosozumi, the gold medalist of Skateboard Women's Park for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, who performs best in the scenes that attract most attention. Difficult situations, big stages, high expectations- no matter how much pressure you put on her, she never stops challenging for her dream.

“I like skateboarding because there are no ends.”

-Why did you start skateboarding?

Sakura: I started because I wanted to play with my brother. He was skateboarding with friends, and I thought he wouldn’t play with me if I don’t do it, so I got my own board. I started like that but when I really got into it, he quit skateboarding and I was more into skateboarding than playing with my brother. 

-What do you most like about skateboarding?

Sakura: I like it how even If I practice and learn one trick, there will always be another one.

-How much do you practice?

Sakura: I practice about 6 hours a day. I almost never take a day off.

-You always have a very nice smile. Do you ever get tired?

Sakura: No, I always have a positive mind.

"Not only me but my entire family supported me for my goals, so I would like to tell them thank you.”

-Can you please tell us the secret of your strength in the important games? What’s your weapon?

Sakura: My strongest point is that I never get nervous in the competitions. But there was this one time I did, which was when I saw how others were doing, and couldn’t focus only on what I have been practicing.

-You used to actively travel around the world for competitions. How did Covid-19 impact you?

Sakura: I couldn’t attend any overseas competitions for a year and half because of COVID, so I couldn’t have close goals to achieve and that was hard for me.

-It was a difficult time for a lot of athletes, how did you spend your time then?

Sakura: The Olympics got postponed at that time too. So, I thought I got more time to practice tricks I couldn’t do, and I was doing my best to improve myself every day. My motivations and feelings haven’t changed.

-After winning such a big title, you are now in a position to be chased and admired as a goal by the other players including children. Are there any changes in your feelings?

Sakura: I’m still going to be in the competitions, but it would be really nice if more girl skaters were out there. And I want small kids and those who aim for me to do their best so that they can participate in overseas competitions.

'“The next goal is to win another gold medal in Paris Olympics.”

-Please tell us your current goals and dreams for future.
Sakura: Of course, to learn more new tricks, but I’m trying to perfect the tricks I have now, and to do them better than everyone. The next goal is to win another gold medal in Paris Olympics, then after that I’d like to support children who have the same dream as me.

[Profile]
Sakura Yosozumi | Skater
Instagram / Youtube