Lizzie Armanto: Pushing Boundaries in Skateboarding and Beyond

Lizzie Armanto, a Finnish-American skateboarder, has become one of the most influential figures in the world of skateboarding.

With a career spanning over a decade, Armanto has broken barriers, won prestigious competitions, and inspired countless young skaters. Born on January 26, 1993, in Santa Monica, California, she started her journey at 14 and quickly rose to prominence, becoming a role model for women in action sports.

In 2025, Armanto remains a powerful force in skateboarding. Her influence extends beyond the sport, as she actively engages in philanthropic work, collaborates on sustainable fashion projects, and continues to push for inclusivity in skateboarding.

A Trailblazing Career in Skateboarding

Lizzie Armanto’s journey in skateboarding has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early days at The Cove skatepark in Santa Monica to becoming a world-renowned professional skateboarder, she has consistently demonstrated skill, determination, and resilience.

Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

Armanto’s name is often associated with historic firsts. In 2013, she won a gold medal in the X Games Women’s Park event, setting the stage for future female skaters. In 2017, she became the first woman to grace the cover of Transworld Skateboarding, a milestone that highlighted her prominence in the industry. She also made history by becoming one of the few female skaters to complete the daunting Tony Hawk’s 360-degree loop—a testament to her fearlessness and skill.

Competing on the Biggest Stages

Armanto has consistently competed at the highest level. She was part of skateboarding’s Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, representing Finland. While she didn’t secure a podium finish, her participation was a significant moment for women in skateboarding, inspiring a new generation of female athletes. She continues to compete in X Games, Dew Tour, and Vans Park Series events, maintaining her status as one of the sport’s elite competitors.

Recent Contributions to the Skateboarding Community

While Armanto remains a top competitor, her recent efforts have focused on growing the sport and making it more accessible. In 2024 and 2025, she has taken major steps in giving back to the skateboarding world.

Skateboard Donation Initiative in the Bahamas

In July 2024, Armanto joined fellow skaters Axel Cruysberghs and Trey Wood in donating 100 complete skateboards to children in the Bahamas. The initiative aimed to provide opportunities for young skaters in underprivileged communities, emphasizing the transformative power of skateboarding.

Armanto has long been passionate about increasing accessibility in the sport. In an interview, she stated, “Skateboarding changed my life, and I want to help create opportunities for kids who may not have the same access to resources that I did.” Her work in the Bahamas is just one example of how she is using her platform to make a difference.

Becoming a Signature Athlete for Woodward

Woodward, a legendary action sports training facility, recently announced Lizzie Armanto as a signature athlete, recognizing her as a key figure in the development of modern skateboarding. Her partnership with Woodward allows her to mentor young skaters and contribute to skateboarding programs that encourage progression and creativity.

Her involvement at Woodward means that upcoming skaters can learn from one of the best while training in a top-tier facility. Her focus is not just on improving technical skills but also fostering a sense of community among skaters.

Promoting Inclusivity in Skateboarding

Armanto has been a strong advocate for inclusivity in skateboarding, particularly for women and non-binary skaters. She frequently speaks about the challenges she faced as one of the few women in the sport and actively works to create a more welcoming environment for future generations.

She recently participated in a panel discussion about the growth of women’s skateboarding, where she emphasized the importance of representation. She noted that the sport has come a long way since she first started but still has room for improvement. “The more we see women in skateboarding, the more normalized it becomes. We’re no longer just ‘women’s skateboarders’—we’re skateboarders.”

Fashion, Sustainability, and Creative Collabs

Beyond skateboarding, Armanto has made significant contributions to fashion and sustainability. She has worked with leading brands like Vans and Monster Energy, helping shape the future of skatewear.

New Vans Skate Shoe and Apparel Collection

In early 2025, Armanto teamed up with Vans to release a new version of her signature skate shoe, The Lizzie. The latest iteration features a Quilted Grape Leaf colorway and focuses on sustainability. Vans, known for its eco-conscious initiatives, worked closely with Armanto to design a shoe made from responsibly sourced materials.

The accompanying apparel collection is designed for inclusivity and functionality, featuring gender-neutral styles and flexible materials that cater to skaters of all backgrounds. Armanto’s approach to design ensures that her products are both stylish and practical for skateboarding.

Creative Direction and Artistic Endeavors

Armanto has a strong artistic side, often incorporating her own creative vision into her collaborations. She has expressed interest in expanding her work beyond skateboarding, including designing graphics for boards, creating apparel concepts, and possibly directing skate films in the future.

In a recent interview, she shared, “Skateboarding is art, and I want to explore all the ways I can contribute creatively, whether that’s through designing gear or filming skate edits with a different perspective.”

The Future of Lizzie Armanto’s Career

At 32, Armanto continues to evolve her career, balancing competition, mentorship, activism, and creative projects. While she remains a top contender in professional skateboarding, she is also shaping the next generation of skaters through her mentorship and community outreach.

A Possible Return to the Olympics?

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, speculation is growing about whether Armanto will compete again. Given her strong connection to California and the Olympic skateboarding scene, she could make another run for Olympic glory. However, she has expressed that her focus is no longer just on winning competitions but on enjoying the sport and continuing to grow as a skater.

Expanding Her Influence in Skateboarding Media

As skateboarding media continues to evolve, Armanto is poised to take on new roles in content creation and storytelling. Whether through vlogs, documentaries, or brand collaborations, she has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to skateboarding culture.

Continued Advocacy for Women in Skateboarding

Armanto remains a leader in the movement for gender equality in skateboarding. Whether through speaking engagements, mentoring, or new initiatives, she is dedicated to ensuring that skateboarding remains accessible and welcoming to all.

Final

Lizzie Armanto is more than just a skateboarder—she is a trailblazer, mentor, activist, and creative visionary. Her contributions to the sport extend far beyond her competition results. By using her platform to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and accessibility, she is helping to shape the future of skateboarding.

As she continues to push boundaries in 2025 and beyond, one thing is certain: Lizzie Armanto’s influence will be felt for generations to come.