Thirteen-year-old skateboarder Yumeka Oda was set to represent her country on home soil at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but with this year’s games postponed until next July her dreams of winning gold have also been put on hold. 

British filmmaker Jack Flynn directs this tender documentary which provides a playful look at the global community of driven, young skaters that surrounds Oda. Grinding across the world’s half pipes, snake runs and vert ramps, she guides us on a journey from her hometown of Nagoya to the international stage. 

Competing in cities far and wide, from Rio de Janeiro to London and LA, Oda effortlessly straddles two lives; one as a pro athlete and the other as a diligent student. As she swaps skater style for school uniform every Monday morning, the intrepid young athlete remains unfazed by her high-octane lifestyle. 

Ranked 11th in Women’s Street style globally, Oda would have been among the first skateboarders to compete in the sport’s Olympic debut. In a year that threatens further cancellations to safeguard against Covid-19, the would-be Olympian holds fast to her aspirations and continues to ride out into the world with disarming charm and openness. 

Words by Antonia Huth