Keep an eye out for Bryce Wettstein as she prepares to make her mark at the Paris Olympics. This 20-year-old skateboarder from San Diego is not just a competitor; she’s also a musician. When she drops into the Olympic bowl, you might just catch her strumming a ukulele between her runs.
Wettstein is a two-time Olympian, having previously competed in the Tokyo Games where she finished sixth, the highest placement for an American woman in the park event. As she gears up for the women’s park competition, she has been using her downtime to focus on her music. She is currently putting the finishing touches on a music video for her song titled “Perfect Moment,” which she wrote just a couple of months before the Games.
The song holds special significance for Wettstein. “It reminds me so much of skateboarding, the Olympics,” she shared. “I love it. It’s like a little song about everything, finding that perfect moment.” The title seems particularly fitting as she prepares for her competition.
When asked if she would perform the song, Wettstein eagerly agreed. With her ukulele in hand, she found a spot to sit outside the temporary skatepark set up in Paris, a location steeped in history. As she began to strum, the world around her faded away. Her voice, a beautiful blend of smoky lower notes and sparkling highs, filled the air. “A perfect moment lasts so it can be found,” she sang, capturing the essence of her experience.
The lyrics also reflect her love for skateboarding. “Later on in time, I skate by sidewalks I thought were new,” she sang, revealing how her passion for music intertwines with her passion for skating. Much of the song came to her in a burst of inspiration while she was at her home skate bowl, nestled under a tree. “I got the verse and then the chorus, and then the next part kind of came the next day,” she explained. “When you sing something, you know, you’re like: ‘That was it.’ Like there’s no going back. And it’s just so magical.”
For Wettstein, music serves as more than just a creative outlet; it’s also a source of comfort and focus. She plans to bring her ukulele with her to the Olympic competition. “Music helps me take my mind off, honestly, the stress of anything,” she said. “I always play music before I compete and things like that … Sometimes I can’t not play. It’s right there, you know?”
As the competition day approaches, Wettstein’s dual passions of skateboarding and music continue to fuel her spirit. The blend of these two art forms creates a unique experience that sets her apart from her competitors. While others may focus solely on their athletic performance, Wettstein embraces the joy of music, allowing it to enhance her experience on the skateboard.
The Paris Olympics are not just a platform for athletic achievement; they are also a celebration of culture and creativity. Wettstein embodies this spirit, showcasing how art and sport can coexist beautifully. Her song “Perfect Moment” is a testament to her journey, capturing the essence of what it means to find joy in the pursuit of excellence.
As she prepares to compete, Wettstein’s story serves as an inspiration to many. She reminds us that it’s possible to pursue multiple passions and find fulfillment in both. Whether she walks away with a medal or simply shares her music with the world, Wettstein is sure to leave a lasting impression at the Paris Olympics.
With her ukulele in hand and a song in her heart, Bryce Wettstein is ready to take on the challenge ahead. The world will be watching as she drops into the bowl, not just as a skateboarder, but as a musician who brings a unique flair to the Olympic stage.
Source: Associated Press
