Skateboarding since the age of three, Brandon Valjalo’s rise to the top is a story of grit, creativity and the magic of TikTok.

The journey to number one ranked skater in Africa – and the first South African to compete in the Olympics – began with a tiny board and a big driveway when Brando Valjalo was just three years old.

“My dad and older brother used to skate, so there was always a board in the garage,” he says. “I was addicted to learning new tricks and the process of progression.” What started as a casual roll down the driveway quickly turned into an all-out obsession, with Brandon kickflipping through countless skate videos and contests. “I was hooked after winning my first amateur competition – I knew I wanted to keep pushing until I could compete against the best in South Africa and eventually, the world.”

Skateboarding isn’t the only passion he’s mastered, though: his TikTok account has amassed a dedicated audience of over 81K, clocking up 2.8 million likes. Fans were glued to their screens as Brandon posted exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of his Olympic journey.

“I created my TikTok account during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to target a younger audience, my TikTok profile has been instrumental in the way that I’ve connected with the everyday public in South Africa and around the world, as well as the next generation of skateboarders to come.”

@brandonvaljalo Skateboarding in Barcelona 🇪🇸🇪🇸 #brandonvaljalo #BARCELONA ♬ original sound – andresoueid

H2: What does it mean to Brandon to #DiscoverYourself?

“For me, it means you have found your ‘why’. We are all just trying to figure out what our purpose is and what we can do that will truly have a positive impact on humanity. For me, being able to discover yourself is finding that place or thing that brings you true happiness and fulfilment.”

Brandon’s dedication and skill have inspired many, showcasing the power of perseverance and self-expression through sport. Now that he’s achieved some of the most prestigious accolades in the world, what does the future hold?

“I have a few really exciting opportunities coming up in the near future: events, tours, content projects and contests. Besides that, I really want to give back to the local community and start working on my foundation to help develop and increase the rate of progression in the South African Skateboarding industry. You’ll have to stay tuned to my TikTok profile as my vision comes to life.”