Bryce Wettstein is headed to her second Olympic Games representing Team USA in Park. She is the 2022 and 2019 National Champion for Women’s Park. We caught up with Bryce before she heads to the Olympics and talked to her about how she felt compelled to help her competitor, why she brings her ukuleles to competitions and how her family has supported her on her skate journey.
Interviewed for Family Entourage
Family Entourage: Congratulations again on making the Olympic team, which is no small feat. This being your second Olympics, what are you most looking forward to?
Bryce Wettstein: Definitely, having the most fun with all of the Olympians and the Olympic Village. I love getting lost on adventures, so hopefully finding new things in the Olympic Village will be fun. We always have lanyards and I love trading pins with everyone. That will be really fun too. But most importantly, I would say connecting with my team in new ways because every single time we do something together, we skate together it is always different. I always take away something from it. So I am most excited to have an experience that I know will be unforgettable no matter what and I am really excited to share it with people.
FE: At the Olympic Games in Tokyo, you were part of 7 skaters who won the Fair Play Award which recognizes extraordinary displays of sporting spirit during the Games. Describe to us what made you decide to help out your competitor, Okamoto Misugu.
BW: Thank you for asking me about that. I am so happy about that moment. What went through my head, when Misugu fell I was a little blow away and a little shocked because I didn’t expect her to fall. She never really falls on that trick. In that moment, when I saw her almost burst into tears, I just thought, “We can’t leave it like that. We have to let her know all of the hard work that she has done that not only has inspired us but everyone that is watching.” So I just wanted to say, “That moment doesn’t define you.” So we picked her up and commemorated her in that moment and we all got to be a part of it, which made it that much more special. I think it’s beautiful how a moment can play a role in your life forever and how it can truly change your life. It seems like an understatement but it can be understated and it can’t be overstated enough.
FE: You’ve been skateboarding since you were 5 years old. What words of encouragement do you have for those that might be starting out on their skateboarding journey?
BW: A lot of times there are things that take a lot of time to figure out but with skateboarding, have the most fun that you can. Don’t ever feel like you are doing something wrong because if you are having fun, then you are doing something right. You’re doing everything right. Have patience with yourself because learning to have patience will only mean your patience will grow and that will help you learn more about yourself and what you are doing. I think always smiling is beautiful because smiles turn into laughter and laughter turns into more smiles.
FE: You are known for bringing your ukulele to competitions and playing songs. How have you found that helpful? Will there be any special song debuts at the Olympics in Paris?
BW: I always bring my ukulele places because before competitions sometimes you can’t help but feel the nerves that you feel. So many times I will feel this preemptive feeling of “I’m going into the contest.” It keeps playing in my head, the what could, the what ifs. Before I go into a contest, I usually play one song, like anything that’s on my mind and I will freestyle it. Then, when I am singing, I realize there is nothing that matters but this moment. Somehow even when you are singing a song by yourself, it feels like there are a million people there with you. Music is like that. It is so inclusive. It helps me to get my thoughts and feelings out before. I find a lot of music in skateboarding. There is this musicality in it, where sometimes you have to improvise or go off script or plan. That’s a true art right there, when you can freestyle and still make it make sense.
FE: Family often plays a huge role in our success. Share with us how your family has supported you on your skate journey.
BW: My family has been the most important part of my life. I think when something brings you to tears every time you talk about it you know how much it means to you. They have supported me since the beginning. My dad taught me to skateboard. He still always come to visit me when I am skateboarding. We often surf together. That for me is heart-wrenching. You know when something touches you. My mom is my travel buddy. She is always who I travel with, she makes me feel the most at home because she is my home. I love my sister. She is my built-in best friend.
