Where were you when you were 12 years old?  I was running around in brightly coloured leggings dreaming of saving the rainforest. But Alana Smith was at the X Games becoming the youngest medalist in history, gaining her a Guinness World Record and a shiny silver medal at the same time. She’s also only the second female to have landed the 540 McTwist and that was all before she turned 13… With so many years ahead of her, she takes the time for a little chat with us.

You seem to absolutely love skating, how did it all begin for you?

It all began when I saw the X-Games on TV. The instant I saw skateboarding I needed to try it!

Who do you tend to skate with the most? And who do you like skating with?

I skate with my friends Jett and Jagger Eaton a lot, and I try to skate with all my girlfriends too. I definitely like skating with positive and encouraging people!

Have you survived the winter so far? Still getting lots of skate in?

I have! It’s been actually really nice in Arizona! I’ve been skating ‘Kids That Rip’ (park) a lot so I’m indoors.

THAT 540 McTwist, first Lyn-Z, then you. How did it feel to nail it?

It felt so amazing!! When I made it, it felt like a dream it was so unreal! Hard work pays off! Now I just train to keep it. I think it’s harder after you make it… everyone expects you to land it in every contest.

So what are you trying to land now?

I have mainly been working on getting my tricks consistent and some new spins.

What does your ideal day of skate consist of?

Wake up and get Starbucks, go to Tony Hawks vert ramp land about 4 new tricks, then go to LA and skate combi with my friends like Trey Wood, Mimi Knoop and more!

That does sound ideal! What’s your favourite skate park?

I have so many favourites!! Top 3 is probably Combi, Kids That Rip, and all the WoodWards!

And the Mega, how does it feel to drop in on it? You’re so little, it’s so large.

Haha, I feel like an ant when I’m on mega!! Its give me like a rush though and it’s so exciting!

You do all sorts of skate, so which particular skaters, old or new, inspire you?

Most definitely Tony Hawk, Mimi Knoop, Manny Santiago, Bucky Lasek, Lyn-z Pastrana, Rob Dydrek, and Paul Rodriguez! Also all of my friends like Jett and Jagger Eaton, Trey Wood, Tom Schaar and many more. Everyone brings something different, that’s what I love about skateboarding.

We hear you are coming to Europe for Malmo Vert Attack, how did that come about?

John Magnusson emailed me and asked if I’d like to be a part of Vert Attack, if he could organise a girls division. I was blown away that they would want me there and said yes of course. I feel so honoured that I was even considered a candidate.

Great! See you in Sweden then. As for your skating future, do you have any big goals?

Mainly to get more girls into skateboarding and get it to where it’s equal to guys! Also to just have fun and accomplish as much as I possibly know I can.

You have already accomplished a lot and are the youngest medalist in X Games history, where do you keep your certificate from the Guinness Book of Records?

I keep it in a safe spot in my house, but I’m going to get a lit up frame to put the certificate and medal in!

Nice, like a museum!

You are on the Hoopla team? How do they support you and girls skating in general?

Hoopla has been so supportive for me and many girls! To have such amazing company giving me boards and clothes and helping me with contests makes me so thankful! The Hoopla family is like my family, we are all so close and trying to make girl skating a bigger thing.

And finally, simply what do you love about skating?

I love that when I skate it’s my way to express myself. I feel like when I’m on my board nothing is impossible!

Alana is sponsored by Kids That Rip, DC Shoes, Hoopla, Triple Eight and The One Eight Seven.