Above: Nishimura competes in the finals of the Street League Skateboarding World Championship in 2019
POPSUGAR: What's it like to be crushing it at a sport that statistically more men participate in? Have you ever experienced any sort of sexism during your career?
"I think our society is changing slowly and starting to realise that we're doing this, but there's always the occasional person who's a kook."
Armanto: I had moved around a lot growing up, so when I found the skate park, I felt like I found my place and I didn't really think much of it that I was female and then [it was] mostly guys. Most of the time at the skate park, everyone's really cool. And even online, they're mostly positive comments, but every so often there's someone who wants to bash or they sometimes will say things that they don't realise are backhanded compliments. I think our society is changing slowly and starting to realise that we're doing this, but there's always the occasional person who's a kook.
When I was going to the skate park every day, there was the occasional person that would say, "You are pretty good for a girl," but most of the time I would just take it as like, I know what they're trying to say, but they don't even realise that they're being insulting. You can't police everyone. If it's the right situation to maybe say something about it, then I would do it. But in general, you can't fix everything all at once. You just can take one thing at a time.
Steamer: I can't put a name to the feeling. It just feels good to be involved and have an impact and a reach on people. It feels good to achieve what I've achieved in skateboarding, but it also just feels good to be able to achieve what I've achieved as [someone who's] not the norm.
I've definitely experienced discrimination on social media, I've experienced discrimination in our industry, I've experienced unequal pay in our industry, I've experience many hate crimes in our industry, in the world, all sorts of stuff. I mean, I've lived a long life already . . . People should just do them and not spend time worrying about what other people are doing. But at the same time, I understand how people's hate and negativity can fuel people in a positive way.
Nishimura: Yes, skateboarding does have a male-dominant image, but I'd like for people to know that you don't have to be a guy to enjoy skateboarding. Even girls can enjoy it. Skateboarding is for everyone, whether you're a guy or girl. So hopefully I can get that message out. If you put enough effort into it, you can compete in these big contests. You can be successful as long as you can commit to it and put your mind into it. Hopefully I can change that image [and teach others that] skateboarding is for everyone in the future.
Image Source: Getty / Alexandre Schneider