Rolling beyond limits: Fakrulradzi turns disability into skateboarding mastery
He shares a condition similar to Romano, whose inspiring story of triumph over disability ignited his own passion for skateboarding.
When Mohamad Fakrulradzi Zahari first picked up a skateboard in late 2016, he never imagined that he would one day defy the odds, just like his idol, Brazilian skateboarder Italo Romano.
Born in Ipoh, Perak, Fakrulradzi faced life without legs since the age of five due to a congenital condition. He shares a condition similar to Romano, whose inspiring story of triumph over disability ignited his own passion for skateboarding.
“Romano really inspired me as he had a similar condition to mine. Both of us have legs amputations up to the same point.
“Despite this, he became a pro skater and watching him sparked something in me. I thought, ‘if he can do it, why can't I?’ That was when I decided to give skateboarding a try,” he said in a recent interview with Sinar Daily.
His interest in skateboarding was first piqued by playing the mobile game True Skate.
Although Fakrulradzi had friends who skated, it wasn’t until he saw a video of a wheelchair user performing skateboard tricks that he felt truly motivated to try the sport himself.
Initially, he said he dismissed the idea, thinking it would be too expensive.
However, one night while hanging out at a mamak stall with his friends, he casually mentioned his desire to try skateboarding.
“My friends were incredibly supportive, and we decided to pool our money together to buy a skateboard to share,” he added.
From hobby to passion
What began as a casual interest quickly turned into a passion. Despite enduring injuries—including a serious back fracture—Fakrulradzi remained steadfast in his commitment to skateboarding.
“On my first day with the skateboard, I almost gave up, but my friends encouraged me to keep practising. Watching videos of professional skaters motivated me to press on.
“Skateboarding has become a huge part of my life. It’s incredibly fun, even though I’ve had my share of injuries. Falling is part of the game, but the joy of playing and mastering the sport makes it all worthwhile,” he said.
Overcoming challenges
One of Fakrulradzi’s biggest hurdles was learning new tricks. As a skateboarder without legs, he lacked role models to guide him.
“I learned most of my tricks on my own because there aren’t many skaters in similar situations. I even tried reaching out to Romano for advice on my skateboard setup, but I didn’t get a response.
“Instead, I relied on online videos and relentless practice. My friends also gave me valuable tips,” he said.
Fakrulradzi further highlighted the challenges of skateboarding in Kuala Lumpur, noting that it is far more physically demanding than skating in his hometown of Ipoh.
“In Kuala Lumpur, long sessions leave my body aching, especially my hands. The journey home from places like Ampang Park is exhausting. In Ipoh, the skate park is only five minutes away, making it easier to enjoy quick sessions.”
Moments of triumph
For Fakrulradzi, some of his most rewarding moments come when he lands a trick. “The hype from my friends when I succeed makes me feel proud and accomplished.
Watching videos of skateboarders falling and breaking their legs used to make me think this sport wasn’t for me. But seeing others achieve amazing tricks made me realise, ‘If they can do it, why can’t I?’ That thought keeps me going,” he said.
