Skateboard sizzler Matty’s on a roll (From St Helens Star)

Skateboard sizzler Matty Carlisle's on a roll

8:30am Friday 10th August 2012 in News By Oliver Kurt

IF skateboarding ever became an Olympic sport, young Matty Carlisle would be nailed on for a gold.

The Rainhill teenager is continuing his success by turning semi-pro.

Following his win at the Junior European vert skateboarding championships in February 2010, Matty has since won the competition again and come out on top at the Under16's "Boardmasters" contest..

Managing to achieve so much under the age of 14 has attracted the interest of major European protective equipment 'TSG', who are now Matty's main sponsor alongside several other smaller companies.

The schoolboy's first attempt at the pro European vert Championships saw him reach the semi-finals in February.

The contest, which took place in Sweden, brought together skaters from all over Europe and showcased the youngster’s phenomenal talents on a skateboard.

Now recognised as the youngest professional vert skater outside of the USA, Matty's popularity continues to grow in the skating world.

UK sweets company Mega Mouth® recently ran survey which found 62% of children think the Olympics will only be worth watching when more extreme sports such as skateboarding are on offer.

In conjunction with this the company, with a little help from Matty, revealed the UK's largest skateboard at Mile End skatepark in London.

The now 14-year-old Matty said: "This is the most awesome board I've ever seen! I think it's fantastic that so many kids want to see skateboarders compete at the Olympics.

"If they can have BMX then why not skateboarding?"

As the youngster continues to shred-up skate competitions up and down the country, he looks forward to what's next.

Proud dad, Chris added: "He's still not made it out in the States but if he doesn't go there before, he'll definitely be spending all summer there next year learning from people like Tony Hawk."