The 2024 Paris Olympics promise thrilling skateboarding competitions, with top contenders from the USA, Japan, and Australia battling for gold. Despite a weather-related delay for the Men’s Skateboard Street event, the stage is set for an exciting showcase of talent and skill.
Event Schedule:
The Men’s Skateboard Street event, originally scheduled for Saturday, July 27, has been postponed to Monday, July 29, due to rain and slick course conditions. The Women’s Skateboard Street events will proceed as planned on Sunday, July 28, with prelims at 6 a.m. ET and the final at 11 a.m. ET.
Key Competitors to Watch:
Men’s Street:
The Men’s Street event will feature all three Tokyo Olympic medalists, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. Japan’s Yuto Horigome, the defending gold medalist, and American Nyjah Huston, a perennial favorite, are expected to lead the pack. Huston, known for his consistency and competitive spirit, is eager to claim an Olympic medal after narrowly missing out in Tokyo. Sora Shirai, also from Japan, seeks redemption after his ninth-place finish in Tokyo, while 14-year-old Ginwoo Onodera adds youthful energy to the competition. American Jagger Eaton, who won bronze in Tokyo despite a broken ankle, is another strong contender, bolstered by a recent win at the OQS event in Shanghai.
Men’s Park:
Team USA has a strong chance to dominate the Men’s Park event, with top-ranked skaters Tate Carew, Gavin Bottger, and Tom Schaar leading the charge. Australian Keegan Palmer, the Tokyo gold medalist, and Brazilian Pedro Barros, the Tokyo silver medalist, pose significant challenges. Andy Macdonald, competing for Great Britain at 51, brings decades of experience and a deep love for the sport.
Women’s Street:
Japan’s talent extends to the Women’s Street event, with Coco Yoshizawa, Liz Akama, and Tokyo bronze medalist Funa Nakayama leading a formidable team. Brazilian Rayssa Leal, the Tokyo silver medalist, and Australian Chloe Covell are also in contention for medals. Team USA’s representatives, Paige Heyn, Poe Pinson, and Mariah Duran, are eager to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Women’s Park:
The Women’s Park event features young stars like 15-year-old Cocona Hiraki, who aims to build on her Tokyo silver medal, and Australian Arisa Trew, who has dominated recent competitions. Tokyo bronze medalist Sky Brown, representing Great Britain, returns from an injury ready to compete. Americans Bryce Wettstein, Ruby Lilley, and Minna Stess bring a supportive team spirit to the event.
Event Highlights:
The Skateboard Street course at Paris’ Place de la Concorde replicates urban obstacles such as handrails, stair sets, ledges, and banks. Skaters will be judged on their trick selection, technicality, and course use during 45-second runs and individual best tricks. The competition format includes four heats, with the top eight skaters advancing to the finals.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, skateboarding fans can look forward to electrifying performances from both seasoned champions and emerging talents. The combination of skill, creativity, and competitive spirit is set to make skateboarding one of the most exciting events of the Games.
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