Julia Benedetti heralds strong moment for Spanish skateboarding as Barcelona festival approaches

Julia Benedetti, a 19‑year‑old Galician skater, is the only Spanish athlete to have competed in both the Olympic debut of skateboarding in Tokyo 2020 and the sport’s second appearance in Paris 2024. She says Spanish skateboarding is experiencing a very good moment, noting that the discipline has shifted from private‑brand events to a professional structure centered on World Skate and Olympic qualification.

Benedetti will take part in GRAVITEO, a free urban‑sports festival in Barcelona from 17 to 19 July that will showcase skateboarding, scooter freestyle, roller freestyle, climbing and other disciplines. She highlighted the sport’s evolution, stating, “Las competiciones estaban organizadas principalmente por marcas privadas y ahora todo gira alrededor de World Skate, de la clasificación olímpica y de una estructura mucho más profesional,” and added, “La forma de ver el skateboarding también ha cambiado muchísimo.”

Reflecting on her Olympic experiences, she contrasted the pandemic‑restricted Tokyo Games with the lively atmosphere in Paris, where crowds and city energy enhanced the competition. Looking ahead, Benedetti is focused on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, saying, “Me veo con muchas ganas. Ahora empieza el proceso preolímpico… Siento que el camino acaba de empezar.”