Nixen Osborne had already released parts for Independent Trucks and Sunday Hardware when he unexpectedly won Australian SOTY.
After the win, SLAM Skateboarding reached out about shooting a cover in Melbourne. The catch was that Osborne was only three weeks out from foot surgery and wasn’t supposed to skate for another three to four months.
With a cover photo needed, Osborne, Wade McLaughlin, his cousin Lakyn, and friend Youseenmeaye made the trip to a spot where they used a winch to make the photo happen.
Osborne said the trick itself wasn’t the main thing. For him, it was the circumstances, the spot, and the people who helped make the session happen.
He also opened up about how difficult his injury had been mentally, saying it was the hardest thing he had dealt with.
Osborne Posted:
"I know people see my inverts a lot and y’all probably question if it’s the only thing I do or a 50 down a hand rail… but the situation of this one is a bit more special. After I had two video parts released, one for @independenttrucks and one for @sundayhardware I somehow won the award of Australian SOTY…
To me it was crazy because of the skaters Australia has right now. Due to my inactivity from my injury I wouldn’t have thought I had a chance, and wasn’t expecting anything after my parts came out. I just wanted the world to see what I was working on so collectively my sponsors and I decided to release my parts. Injuries are pretty heart breaking, especially when you live your life through your body. Mentally it was the hardest thing I ever dealt with.
After winning SOTY for @slamskateboarding I was hit up to get down to Melbourne to try n shoot a photo for the cover. I was only 3 weeks post op from my hardware removal in my foot. It put a lot of pressure on me because I actually wasn’t allowed to skate for another 3/4 months, however we urgently needed something that was worthy of a cover.
@wade_mclaughlin got the winch from the legend @radicalface which made this trick all possible. Wade and I drove from Melbourne to the spot knowing that it was probably all going to work out. My cousin @lakyn and good friend @youseenmeaye made the mission to get on the assist with the winch. Collectively as a team they helped me handle business.
Like I said, it’s not so much about the trick, it’s more about the situation, the circumstances and the actual once in a lifetime spot.
I appreciate everyone and the support to this young Māori giving it a crack ayyyye 🔴⚪️⚫️"