Biography:
Judi Oyama is a professional skateboarder and a pioneer in the sport. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Oyama developed a passion for skateboarding at a young age. At just 13 years old, she started skating in her driveway on a homemade board built by her brother in woodshop. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of an extraordinary career.
In the mid-1970s, at the age of 16, Oyama made her debut in the skateboarding world. She quickly caught the attention of Santa Cruz Skateboards, who sponsored her and helped propel her skating career to new heights. Oyama’s dedication and skill set her apart from her peers, and she soon became recognized as one of the few Asian-American women professional skateboarders.
Oyama’s remarkable achievements have left a lasting impact on the sport. Her skating helmet from 1979 and her first-place trophy from the 4th Berkeley Contest are now part of the esteemed collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. These artifacts serve as a testament to her prowess and contribution to skateboarding history.
Throughout her career, Oyama has faced numerous challenges and obstacles. However, her determination and resilience have allowed her to overcome these hurdles and achieve greatness. In 2003, at the age of 43, Oyama won the Slalom World Championships, showcasing her incredible skill and perseverance. She continued to leave her mark on the sport, ranking second in the US and first in the masters division overall in 2013.
Oyama’s impact extends beyond her achievements on the skateboard. She is the former Vice-President and one of the founders of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Board Rescue. Through this organization, she has dedicated herself to giving back to the skateboarding community and supporting underprivileged youth.
In recognition of her contributions to skateboarding, Oyama was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2018. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to her trailblazing spirit and lasting influence on the sport.
Outside of skateboarding, Oyama is a designer at Cross-Fit headquarters. She is married to cyclocross racer Greg Foy, and they reside in Aptos, a small town near Santa Cruz, with their two boys, Taylor and Ryan.
Judi Oyama’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers. Through her remarkable achievements and dedication to the sport, she has become a true legend in skateboarding history.
Awards:
– Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
– Slalom World Champion (2003)
– N-Men Icon Award (2015)