MANSFIELD Olympian and skateboarder Hayley Wilson has been awarded Australia’s Skateboarder of the Year (SOTY) for 2024.

Hayley won the nation's most prestigious skateboarding award in a surprise ceremony in Melbourne on January 25.

She made history as the first woman to be awarded the SOTY title on the event’s 20th anniversary year.

Hayley was shortlisted from a field of more than 20 contenders including two other women.

In mid-January voting opened to anyone from across the globe to vote for the nominated finalists.

The public vote together with the judges' input, saw Hayley take out Australia’s highest skateboarding honour.

CEO of Slam Skateboarding, Trent Fahey, said Hayley’s win was resounding "and having released two video parts for sponsors Nike and Real, and showing continuing commitment to the industry she is an outstanding recipient “.

Hayley retired from competition skateboarding in 2022 to focus on her filming commitments with her sponsors but she did make a brief comeback in October 2023 when she was invited to compete in Street League in Sydney.

Her dream of competing in the World Street League came true on home turf and she was a crowd favourite to a sellout audience at the Ken Rosewall Arena, scoring the highest trick score in the qualifier.

When Hayley started skateboarding in Mansfield at seven years of age her dream was to be awarded Australia’s Skateboarder of the Year.

Now aged 22 she has achieved this goal after many years of commitment, dedication, passion and competitions including the Tokyo Olympics.

Hayley continues to be a role model for young people and in particular young girls right across the world.

Parents Catriona and James Wilson and Hayley’s brother Liam are also very proud of her award.

"Being the first woman to be awarded Australian Skateboarder of the Year is a very special history making moment and seeing the look on her face when she entered the surprise ceremony was priceless,” Catriona said.

Her mother tells us there is no rest for Hayley though, because she has to fulfill media and sponsor projects both here in Australia and overseas.