Skater, 8, to represent Singapore in world's largest urban sports festival

Skater Chloe Chua may be small, but she is just as powerful.

The eight-year-old is set to represent Singapore at the Festival International des Sports Extrêmes (FISE) in the inline skating category.

FISE, the world's largest urban sports event, will be held in Singapore for the first time from Nov 22 to 23 at youth hub *Scape and Somerset Skate Park.

Chloe, a multi-medallist in inline skating competitions across the region, will showcase her prowess in front of a hometown crowd for the first time during this festival.

She primarily participates in aggressive inline skating, which involves skaters executing tricks such as grinds and jumps, according to her Instagram profile.

The skater is known for her fearless energy and technical skill — both of which are beyond her years.

This will be her second time at FISE, having recently participated in the event's World Series in Shanghai.

'Extra special competing on home ground'

Speaking to AsiaOne, Chloe's mother Jessamine said that she is really excited about Chloe participating in FISE Singapore.

"It feels extra special for her to compete on home ground, in front of family and friends, making it more meaningful."

She also described Chloe's experience at FISE Shanghai as "incredible", explaining that interacting with other skaters inspired the eight-year-old to push herself even further.

However, there was a significant hurdle the young skater had to overcome. Just two days before the competition, she had a bad fall that required nine stitches on her chin.

Undeterred, Chloe requested to get back on her skates and compete after resting for just a day.

"This made me really proud of her strength and determination," said Jessamine.

Chloe discovered skating in late-2020 and her first taste of aggressive skating came in 2021 when her godfather Lucas, who also coaches her, took her to the Sports Hub Stadium's skatepark for a session, her mother told AsiaOne.

The adrenaline of speeding down ramps hooked her immediately, and she hasn't looked back since, she added.

The eight-year-old currently splits her time between Singapore and Korea for training.

Lessons and demonstrations for public

Fise Singapore will also see extreme sports athletes from around the world participate in BMX, flatland, breaking — competitive breakdancing — and skateboarding contests and demonstrations.

BMX, or bicycle motocross, involves racing or performing stunts with specially designed bicycles. Meanwhile, flatland involves performing stunts using BMX bicycles on smooth or flat surfaces.

According to the organiser Kin Productions, youth clinics as well as open sessions will be available in the mornings for schools and amateur riders.

The afternoons will see shred contests, cash-for-tricks battles, and open-format demonstrations that "blend competition with creativity". 

In the evenings, high-energy spine-ramp shows will be set to live DJ performances for spectators' enjoyment.

Participants looking to join contests or masterclasses must register in advance and pay a participation fee. Details can be found on Kin Productions' social media. 

The free-to-attend festival is part of the Singapore Urban Sports + Fitness Festival 2025, supported by Sport Singapore as well as the Singapore Tourism 

For more information on FISE Singapore, visit the event website.

bhavya.rawat@asiaone.com