Get Thalente to LA2028 Olympic Games

This is me.

I am Thalente Biyela.

My journey into skateboarding began as an escape from a tough and turbulent life on the streets. What started as survival soon became purpose. Skateboarding gave me a way to focus my energy, find direction, and create a future I once couldn’t imagine.

For me, skateboarding is more than a sport. It is a tool for building community, breaking stereotypes, and creating opportunity. Through it, I’ve been able to travel the world, skate alongside some of the most respected names in the sport, and compete on international stages such as Tampa Am.

From Durban to Los Angeles, and now Cape Town, my journey continues to unfold. I am supported by Baseline Skate Shop, Element Skateboards, Thunder Trucks, Bones Wheels, Bones Bearings, Vans South Africa, and Space Spinach, and I am working toward my biggest goal yet: representing South Africa on the Olympic stage.

The end goal of this journey is to skate at the LA 2028 Olympic Games. As part of that pathway, I will...