"Chasing the Finish Line: Zoe from Logan City Speed Talks Sprinting, Ambition, and Her Sky-High Goals

Interviewer: Hi Zoe Martin, thanks for chatting with us today! First of all, congratulations on representing Australia at the World Skate Games! How did it feel to wear the green and gold for the first time?

Zoe: Representing Australia at a world level competition for the first time really was so nerve-racking and yet, so exciting! It felt amazing and was such a thrill skating at such a high level and getting the opportunity to compete against some of the best skaters in the world.

Interviewer: That’s amazing! Tell us a bit about your journey to get there. When did you start inline speed skating, and how did you end up qualifying for the World Skate Games?

Zoe: I first began my inline speed skating journey when I joined my club in 2019. I started off using recreational rollerblades until I received my own pair of speed skates in 2020. This started me down the path of a whole lot of training which gave me the opportunity to begin competitively speed skating in 2021 when I participated in my first State Championships. Each year, I dedicated hours of my week to intense training which all paid off during my third National Championships, and only my second year of competing internationally, where I was selected to represent Australia at the World Skate Games.

Interviewer: Hard work really pays off! So, how did you go at the World Skate Games? What was it like competing on such a big stage?

Zoe: Competing at such a high level really shows you how high the bar is! It really was eye opening to be out there competing against the best of the best and just see the amount of dedication and commitment that every skater puts in. Despite this, I’m proud to say I achieved 18th place during my favourite event, the 100m sprint!

Interviewer: That’s the spirit! What was your favourite moment from the event?

Zoe: My favourite moment from the World Skate Games was definitely getting the opportunity to watch all the racing in person. It really was such a whole different level to anything else I had seen and every race was so intense, especially watching my friends and teammates from Australia going neck and neck with skaters from across the globe!

Interviewer: Sounds incredible! What do you love most about inline speed skating?

Zoe: What I love about inline speed skating is definitely the speed and the competition! The atmosphere while racing and the speeds we reach are so exhilarating and I especially enjoy the healthy, but intense, competition between my competitors as we push each other to our limits in hopes to achieve our best results!

Interviewer: What’s next for you in the sport? Any big goals on the horizon?

Zoe: Following the 2025 National Championships, I have been selected again to represent Australia at the inline speed skating World Championships in China. This year, I really aim to improve my results from the 2024 World Skate Games and hopefully advance past the heats and into the final rounds of the 100m sprint to compete for a spot on the podium!

Interviewer: That’s an awesome goal! Finally, what advice would you give to other young skaters dreaming of competing on the world stage?

Zoe: I will always encourage to take small steps and make small goals. Nothing happens

overnight and it might take longer than you think, but those small goals create the foundation that will open a whole world of opportunities to grow, improve, and one day compete at high levels.

Interviewer: Love that advice! Thanks so much for chatting with us, and best of luck with your future races. We’ll be cheering for you!