Interview with Yuki Takahashi-McGilvray

From watching the Olympics as a kid to kick-flipping one of the UK's most iconic spots

Photographed By Danny Parker

When did you first start skating, and what made you fall in love with it?

I started skating nearly five years ago after watching the Olympics. Like a lot of girls in the UK, I was inspired by Sky Brown. When I first started I was into ramps and that kind of thing — it's just fun. But over time I started enjoying street skating more and more, and that's where things really clicked for me.

Your style is super fun to watch. How would you describe your skating?

I like to skate ledges and street stuff. Really just having fun with it — I think that's the most important thing for me.

We've seen you kickflip Southbank, which is such an iconic spot. What was that moment like?

It was really fun and i really wanted to do it for like ages ever since i first ollied it (three years ago). I knew i wanted to do it when we visited london, i went about 10:30 in the morning with Marcos Baines, it did take like quite a lot of goes to land because I kept landing on the board and slipping out. But when I finally rolled away, it was kind of surprising. Got to big up Marcos for the support and hype.

You've travelled around the UK for skating. Do you have a favourite place or park? And do different scenes feel different when you visit?

My favourite skatepark is probably Bay or Campus Pool in Bristol — it's always fun whenever I go there.

Quite often I'm the only girl when I show up to a park outside of a competition setting. I used to get quite nervous about that, but once I start skating most skaters are really supportive and nice. The nerves don't really last long.

You've taken part in Survival of the Sickest events. What have those competition experiences been like?

I really enjoy them. Meeting up with everyone — a lot of these people have become really good friends. It's a great event, I love skating with the other girls, and I feel like it's genuinely helped my progression a lot. There's an energy at those events that pushes you forward.

Do you get nervous competing, and how do you deal with that?

Yes, I do get very nervous. But once I start skating it's not that bad — the feeling settles. And honestly, the pressure makes me try things I might not try otherwise, which I think is a good thing.

I feel like I'm getting better at managing it, and it's actually been helping me with my shyness in general. Competing has made me more confident in everyday life too.

What's been your favourite skate moment so far?

There are a few. My first competition at Campus Pool in Bristol, I never expected to come 2nd as I always used to get quite scared to skate at a local skate jam. Also, when I got 1st at Best trick at my first nationals and kickfliping Southbank because I wanted to do it for like ages. 

Are you currently supported by any sponsors or brands? What does that mean to you?

Yes — Grandad Skateboards. I'm so grateful for their support. I really like their boards and they're made right here in the UK, which is something I love about them. Sometimes they do custom graphics for me too.

Being on a team with other great skaters who have become good friends means a lot. It feels really good.

How has your family supported your skating journey?

My dad and I go skating together on most dry days. My family have been incredibly supportive throughout — they've taken me to competitions and parks all over the country. I couldn't do it without them.

What advice would you give to other girls your age who want to start skating?

Just start. Don't worry too much about what other people at the skatepark might think of you. If they skate, they're usually happy to help and give advice. The skate community is more welcoming than you might expect — just get out there.