Olympic Skateboarding Preview: USA, Japan, and Australia Vie for Gold Medals

Published: July 26, 2024 10:45 PM ET

Updated: July 27, 2024 6:30 AM ET

Changes to Schedule

The men’s street skateboarding event, initially slated for July 27, has been rescheduled to July 29 due to rain and slippery conditions on the course. However, the women’s street events are set to proceed as planned on July 28, with preliminary rounds at 6 a.m. ET and the finals at 11 a.m. ET. Both events will be available for viewing on NBCOlympics.com and Peacock.

Overview of Skateboarding at the Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature an elite group of skateboarders from the United States, Japan, and Australia. With many returning medalists from the Tokyo Games and new rising stars, the competition is expected to be intense when skateboarding events commence on July 27.

Among the competitors is Zheng Haohao, an 11-year-old park skateboarder from China, who is the youngest athlete at these Games. In contrast, Andy Macdonald, a 51-year-old park skateboarder representing Great Britain, will bring a wealth of experience to the field.

Men’s Street: A Battle of Titans

The men’s street skateboarding event promises to be a high-stakes competition with returning Tokyo medallists. Japan’s skaters, including Ginwoo Onodera, Sora Shirai, and defending gold medalist Yuto Horigome, are among the top contenders. Horigome, who triumphed at the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) event in Budapest, is expected to be a key player, alongside American Nyjah Huston, who is also a strong contender after his victories at the X Games Ventura.

Shirai, who finished ninth in Tokyo, is eager to make amends, having won the 2023 World Street Championships. Onodera, a 14-year-old prodigy, has been impressive in recent competitions, placing second in both OQS events this year. American Jagger Eaton, who secured bronze at the Tokyo Games despite an injury, will also be a major competitor, having recently won at the OQS event in Shanghai. Chris Joslin, another U.S. participant, will add to the competitive mix.

Men’s Park: USA’s Potential Sweep

In the men’s park skateboarding event, Team USA boasts a strong lineup with Tate Carew, Gavin Bottger, and Tom Schaar, all ranked among the top four globally. Australian Keegan Palmer, the gold medalist from Tokyo and winner of the X Games Ventura, is poised to challenge the American dominance. Brazilian Pedro Barros, a silver medalist from Tokyo and a recent X Games bronze medalist, also presents a formidable challenge. At 51, Andy Macdonald, the oldest park competitor, reflects on his long career with a perspective that could make him a wildcard in the event.

Women’s Street: Japan’s Dominance

Japan is a formidable force in women’s street skateboarding with Coco Yoshizawa, Liz Akama, and Tokyo bronze medalist Funa Nakayama all qualifying for the Paris Games. They have consistently performed well in recent major events, including the OQS contests. Brazilian Rayssa Leal and Australian Chloe Covell will also be strong contenders. Leal, who won silver in Tokyo, recently clinched an OQS victory in Shanghai, while Covell secured gold at the X Games last year. The U.S. will be represented by Paige Heyn, Poe Pinson, and Mariah Duran.

Women’s Park: Emerging Talents

Fifteen-year-old Cocona Hiraki, who earned silver in Tokyo, is back to seek gold. She recently won the 2023 World Park Championships and has performed well in the OQS events. Australian Arisa Trew, aged 14, is making her Olympic debut and has been dominant this year, winning both OQS events and the X Games park event. Sky Brown, the Tokyo bronze medalist from Great Britain, is eager to compete after recovering from an MCL injury. American skaters Bryce Wettstein, Ruby Lilley, and Minna Stess, though ranked lower, are excited about showcasing their skills in Paris.

Conclusion

As the skateboarding events approach, the competition promises to be fierce, with standout athletes from the USA, Japan, and Australia ready to battle for gold. Fans can expect thrilling performances as these talented skaters vie for the top spots on the podium.

Key Athletes to Watch

Yuto Horigome

As the defending gold medalist from Tokyo, Yuto Horigome will be a central figure in the men’s street event. His recent win at the OQS event in Budapest solidifies his status as a top contender. Horigome’s technical prowess and creativity on the board make him a standout competitor.

Nyjah Huston

American skater Nyjah Huston, known for his impressive consistency and skill, will be another key player in the men’s street event. His recent success at the X Games Ventura, where he claimed victories in both street events, demonstrates his readiness for another strong Olympic performance.

Coco Yoshizawa

In the women’s street competition, Coco Yoshizawa is one to watch. Her recent performances in major skateboarding events highlight her skill and potential. Alongside Liz Akama and Funa Nakayama, Yoshizawa will be aiming to secure Japan's dominance in the event.

Arisa Trew

Australian Arisa Trew, at just 14, is making a significant impact in women’s park skateboarding. Her impressive record this year, including victories at both OQS events and the X Games, positions her as a major contender for the gold medal.

Sky Brown

Sky Brown, representing Great Britain, will be returning to the Olympics with a strong desire to improve upon her previous performance. Despite recovering from an injury earlier this year, her recent performance at the OQS event in Budapest indicates she’s back in form and ready to compete fiercely.

What to Expect

The skateboarding events at the 2024 Paris Olympics are set to showcase a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. With a mix of experienced skaters and youthful prodigies, fans can anticipate an exciting array of performances. The diverse backgrounds and unique styles of the competitors will add to the thrill of the events, making for memorable moments on the skateboarding course.

As the competition unfolds, each skater’s story will add depth to the spectacle. From Horigome’s quest to defend his title to Brown’s comeback and the rise of young talents like Onodera and Trew, the skateboarding events promise to deliver high-octane action and captivating narratives.

Final Thoughts

With the rescheduling of the men’s street event and the anticipation building for all the skateboarding contests, the 2024 Paris Olympics are shaping up to be a landmark moment for the sport. Whether you’re cheering for the seasoned pros or the up-and-coming stars, there’s no doubt that skateboarding will offer some of the most thrilling and dynamic performances of the Games.

Keep an eye on these athletes as they bring their A-game to Paris, and prepare for a showcase of athleticism, artistry, and passion on the global stage.