Red Bull athlete and professional skateboarder Brandon Valjalo believes that success on the world stage is about more than just physical skill – it’s also about mental resilience, dedication, and a champion’s mindset. As one of the few skateboarders to represent South Africa at the Olympics, Valjalo has consistently pushed the boundaries of his sport, demonstrating his athletic capabilities and the mindset required to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on his journey, Valjalo explains that his approach to skateboarding has always been grounded in the disciplines of traditional sports.
“Looking back at my career, I can say that my approach to skateboarding was similar to how I approached sports like soccer, rugby, and cricket in school. From warm-ups and training to practise and cool-downs, I focused on consistency and repetition. This structured approach allowed me to see results, which built my confidence and helped me push the limits, from regional events to international milestones like the Olympics.”
says Valjalo
Valjalo’s career peaked with his participation in the debut of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Competing at such a prestigious event came with immense pressure, yet Valjalo was well-prepared mentally, thanks in part to the guidance of a sports psychologist at the Red Bull High Performance Centre in Los Angeles.
“Working with Irene helped me understand my mind and taught me techniques to stay confident under pressure. At the end of the day, if you care enough about something, that nervous energy turns into motivation. The key is to stay positive and confident, always focusing on the best possible outcome.”
Valjalo relays
Like all athletes, Valjalo has faced his share of setbacks, but his resilient mindset has been key in overcoming them.
“I broke my wrist two days before [the Tokyo Olympics] but was determined to compete. Even though I didn’t perform as well as I hoped in the early rounds, something shifted in my mindset. I began to appreciate the experience for what it was and started having fun. That mindset shift helped me skate better in the later stages. I’ll always carry that lesson with me: enjoy the moment, and the performance will follow.”
Goal setting is a central part of Valjalo’s approach to both life and skateboarding. He sets short-, medium-, and long-term goals to stay motivated and track his progress.
“I believe in trusting the process, but you need a ‘why’ to keep going. Some days are harder than others, and if you don’t know why you’re pushing yourself, it’s easy to lose motivation. For me, it’s about contributing to the future of skateboarding in Africa. I want to pave the way for the next generation of African skateboarders, showing them that with hard work, they can build a career in this sport.”
he explains
As he prepares for future milestones, including a possible return to the Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles in 2028, Valjalo is focused on his recovery from a wrist injury while planning to give back to his community.
“One of my dreams is to build the first world-class skateboarding facility in South Africa. The more our local scene is exposed to international standards, the faster we’ll progress,”.
he says
Beyond skateboarding, Valjalo is also pursuing a marketing degree.
In a message to aspiring skaters, Valjalo emphasises the importance of perseverance, both physically and mentally.
“Skateboarding teaches you tenacity. You have to keep trying, even when you fail. The hard work pays off, and you must always believe in yourself – you’re capable of more than you realise.”
With eyes firmly fixed on the future and a champion’s mindset, Brandon Valjalo continues to break new ground, inspiring the next generation of athletes while striving for his own career milestones.
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