Team GB skateboarder, 11, fractures skull in horror fall and is ‘lucky to be alive’ after being airlifted to hospital

TEAM GB skateboarding prodigy Sky Brown fractured her skull in a terrifying training fall and is “lucky to be alive” after being airlifted to hospital.

The talented 11-year-old took a stomach churning mid-air tumble and landed on her head, leaving her unresponsive upon arrival.

But brave Brown – who is set to become Britain’s youngest ever summer Olympian in Tokyo next year – is expected to make a full recovery in time for the Games.

Brown described the crash as her “worst fall yet” and the footage from her California base is tough to watch.

Having posted the clips online, Brown can be seen hurtling toward the top of a two storey high half pipe.

But as she attempts to jump a mid-air gap, her board flies away from her and she starts to plummet to the ground.

The camera pans away as she hits the floor before the shot shows her being taken to hospital by helicopter.

 

After a nervous few moments, Brown is seen in her hospital bed with a black eye, an arm cast and delivers a message to camera.

The young athlete, who also surfs, was born in Japan to a Japanese mother but qualifies for Team GB through her British dad Stewart. He said: “Sky’s had the gnarliest fall she’s ever had and is lucky to be alive.

“She landed head-first off a ramp on her hand. When she first came to hospital, everyone was fearful for her life.

“Sky remains positive and strong, the whole medical team is shocked to see her positivity.”

In her message to camera, Sky said: “I don’t usually post my falls or talk about them because I want people to see the fun in what I do.

“But this was my worst fall. I just want everyone to know that it’s OK, don’t worry, I’m OK. I’m just going to get back up and push even harder.

“I’m excited to come back even stronger and even tougher. My heart wants to go so hard right now. I’m just waiting for my body to catch up.

“This will not stop me. I’m going to push boundaries for girls with my skating and surfing. I’m going for gold in Tokyo 2021.”

The most iconic skateboarder of all time Tony Hawk commented: “Worst day ever. Hope your surgery went well today.”

Team GB replied: “Get well soon, Sky!”

And British boxer Anthony Yarde wrote: “We fall with the opportunity to experience the great rise again.”

Brown will have just turned 13 by the time of next summer’s re-arranged Games but she will still be younger than Britain’s current youngest competitor Margery Hinton.

Swimmer Hinton was 13 years and 43 days when she took part in the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928.