Teen Scooter Prodigy Josh Popham Rides High Towards Global Fame

Josh Popham is proving that age is just a number when it comes to scootering. At just 16 years old, this rising star from Bridgend has already made a name for himself by winning the prestigious UK National Scootering Championships. But Josh’s journey has only just begun.

From a Fun Hobby to Serious Competition

Josh’s scootering adventure began at the age of eight when his parents took him to RampWorld, a skate park in Cardiff. “It changed everything,” Josh recalls. What started as casual fun turned into a serious passion by the time he was 12. Watching older riders perform stunts was intimidating at first, but soon Josh began perfecting his own skills, quickly advancing in the sport.

What It Takes to Be a Pro Scootering Champion

Professional scootering isn’t all about looking cool while performing tricks. It’s about skill, style, and control. Judges assess riders on various elements, including the difficulty of tricks, landing precision, and how well riders use the skate park features. Josh’s signature move? “Flip combos,” which are complex aerial tricks that showcase his incredible control and fearlessness.

A Rapid Rise to Success

Though Josh has only been competing seriously for two years, his dedication has already paid off. After placing second at the Welsh Finals last year, he stunned everyone by clinching first place at the UK Championships. “I aimed for a top-three finish, but winning? I didn’t expect that!” he admits. It was a moment of victory that took him by surprise but marked a key milestone in his career.

The Power of Family Support

Behind Josh’s success is an unwavering support system, starting with his father, Philip Popham. Philip initially envisioned Josh playing football, but Josh’s passion for scootering was clear. “I’m not going to football, dad,” Josh said one day, marking the start of his scootering journey. Now, Philip is Josh’s biggest supporter, cheering him on as he strives to reach new heights in the sport.

Balancing Life and Scootering

When he’s not perfecting his flips and tricks, Josh is learning digital marketing at his father’s company. This balance has allowed the family to spend almost every day together, something Philip values deeply.

RampWorld: The Launchpad for Talent

Much of Josh’s success can be attributed to RampWorld, the indoor skatepark in Cardiff where he trained. Manager Nathan Yanez believes extreme sports in South Wales are growing, and Josh is proof of that. “We’ve seen riders like Holly Pipe, a Team GB BMX freestyler, start with scooters,” says Yanez. “Josh is part of the new wave of talent.”

Eyes on the Global Stage and Olympic Dreams

Fresh off his UK Championship win, Josh is setting his sights on international competitions. Events like FISE Montpellier and Extreme Barcelona are next on his agenda, with the World Championships not far behind. “Having a sponsor, Grit Scooters, is a game-changer,” Josh says. He’s ready for the challenge and looking forward to competing at an even higher level. Looking further ahead, Josh dreams of seeing scootering in the Olympics and turning his passion into a sustainable career.

The Future of Scootering: A Growing Sport

Nathan Yanez is optimistic about scootering’s future. He points to the rise of BMX and skateboarding as proof that extreme sports are gaining traction. “Scootering is set to follow the same path,” he believes. As young athletes like Josh continue to rise, the sport’s popularity will only keep growing.

The Road Ahead: Josh’s Journey Is Just Beginning

Josh Popham’s victory at the UK Nationals is just one chapter in what’s shaping up to be a bright future in scootering. As he eyes global competitions and bigger challenges, there’s no telling just how far this young star can go. Keep an eye on Josh—he might just be the next scootering sensation to make waves on the world stage.