Rock Your Own Style: Kokona Hiraki (JPN)

Watch the video version of this conversation on our YouTube channel ►/ @flamebearers This interview was conducted with the help of a translator (why at times, we address the question to an interpreter). At 5 years old, Kokona's parents brought her to a local skatepark and she immediately "wanted to be like the cool skateboarders" she saw there. Flash forward to today, and she's a World champion and Olympic silver medalist. But for Kokona, it's not just about the competition (which she loves) -- it's also about the "artistic side. When people watch films of skates, I want them to look for that." That's why Kokona is known for always pushing the bounds of what's possible or been done before, trying new tricks and doing them in different spots in the park. She shares, "I want to differentiate and then show my own style." When asked what she wants to share with her fellow athletes she offered, "Lets make the Paris Olympics awesome with our girl power." Episodes drop every Wednesday at 5am Eastern Standard Time through the Paralympics and also every Monday at 5am Eastern Standard time through the Olympics. ---- Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community. Learn more on our website: flamebearers.com Watch & subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch a video version of this episode ► / @flamebearers Follow us on social media for exclusive behind the scenes content: Instagram: /flamebearers Facebook: /flamebearerspodcast Linkedin: /flame-bearers Tiktok: /flame_bearers X: /flame_bearers