Women’s Olympic street skateboarder, Haylie Powell, is excited to be following in her parents’ footsteps by joining the Air Force’s Gap Year program as an aviation technician early this year.

The Mooloolah Valley athlete, who skated into our hearts at the 2024 Paris Olympics, said it was time to hang up her board to focus on new challenges and stir up some family rivalry.

“Both my parents joined the Air Force when they were about 19 – the age I am now – and stayed for eight years, so I can’t wait to start my own journey with Air Force and possibly serve for longer,” Haylie said.

“My mum was a supplier and dad was a firefighter and my pop also served in the Navy.

“I’m really excited for a new challenge, and to travel around Australia with an incredible team.”

As an aviation technician, she’ll help keep aircraft mission ready.

She’s already had a taste of what Air Force has to offer during Exercise Christmas Hop 2025.

'Training for skateboarding means you hit concrete a lot, and I know I’ll have to keep hitting concrete throughout my life, but I can’t wait to start a new challenge.'

Haylie and fellow Olympian, BMX bronze medallist Natalya Diehm, joined aviators from 37 Squadron and Australian Army personnel from 176 Air Dispatch, on board a C-130J Hercules, to spread Christmas cheer and deliver educational and sporting gifts to local children in Gove, Northern Territory.

“I was talking to the pilots while we were flying to Gove and asking so many questions, like a little kid,” she said.

“They gave me some great advice and I know I’ve picked a great path to follow.”

Just like the Gove locals, Haylie grew up in a small town and is a firm believer that anything is possible, so long as you’re having fun while doing it.

Her skateboarding career has also honed her resilience, which is essential for her future ADF career.

“Street skateboarding teaches you not to give up because it can be time consuming if you’re trying a new trick,” she said.

“Training for skateboarding means you hit concrete a lot, and I know I’ll have to keep hitting concrete throughout my life, but I can’t wait to start a new challenge.”

Haylie has already experienced and achieved a lot as a teenager – from chasing her Olympic dream at age 14, making it to Paris at 18, injuring her elbow during the competition, but pushing through pain to place 20^th.

From concrete to cockpit, Haylie’s star is on the rise.