Mami Tezuka joined The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney in Monster Energy’s “Unleashed” podcast. Hear the story behind the two-time X Games medalist’s rise to fame and pro status above.
Mami Tezuka was raised with skateboarding in her blood: At the age of three, she first stepped on a skateboard in her native Shiga, Japan, encouraged by her father’s passion for skateboarding.
Riding skateparks and homemade ramps, Tezuka quickly built a trick repertoire beyond her age – a powerful mix of high airs and technical liptricks with a healthy dose of classic throwback moves.
On the contest circuit, this unique riding style makes Tezuka an international podium threat: Accolades include two X Games medals (one silver, one bronze) in Women’s Skateboard Park and third place in the Vans Park Series World Championships.
Additionally, Tezuka continues to push the boundaries of women’s park skating in critically acclaimed video parts for sponsors such as Blood Wizard Skateboards and Monster Energy.
Growing up in Shiga, Japan, Mami Tezuka was surrounded by skateboarding since birth. Her father, Manabu Tezuka, was part of the early generation of Japanese halfpipe skateboarders.
At age three, Mami started riding and continued the family legacy. “Me and my mom started skateboarding together. My dad already skated. I remember going to a skatepark where a lot of skaters were grinding that pool coping. And I loved that sound! Then I wanted to grind like that. It’s my first impression of skating.”
Regarding terrain, Tezuka started to focus on transition skating because her local skatepark provided plenty of ramps. “Actually, there are not that many street spots around my area. Then I just wanted to skate the quarterpipes and miniramps with older skater dudes. Because they were so cool. I was really into grinding!”
Channeling diverse influences, Tezuka cultivated a powerful mixture of new school and classic tricks. She also has no fear when it comes to tackling burly concrete bowls and DIY spots. “Am I afraid of speed? I’m not! I’m down to take a slam!”
The international competition scene was in for a shakeup when Tezuka claimed silver in Women’s Skateboard Park at X Games 2021. In 2022, she maintained her momentum by earning bronze as her second medal at X Games Chiba in 2022.
Looking ahead, Tezuka is focused on qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the Skateboard Park discipline.
“After the Olympics, skateboarding got really big in Japan. And so many cities are now trying to build skateparks, and many people are getting into it,” said Tezuka, adding: “You have to get enough points to be in the top three spots to qualify for your country. We started earlier this year, and now we’re keeping it going.”
Since relocating to Oceanside, California, this year, Tezuka has spent lots of time sessioning with Monster Energy teammate and skateboard icon Lizzie Armanto, one of her idols.
“She has done a lot for women’s skateboarding. I grew up watching her video parts. And see her in the Vans Park Series and all those contests. There were not many girls that could skate like her around me in Japan. So she was so inspiring. Now I’m skating with her and sharing time with her; it’s crazy.”
Courtesy of Monster Energy