PARIS — Americans Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston were the top qualifiers in the preliminary round of men’s street skateboarding at the Paris Olympics on Monday.
Eaton nailed his second run while Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” played on speakers around La Concorde Urban Park and picked up trick scores of 92.65 and 93.86 to finish first of the 24 skateboarders in the competition. The Arizona native won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Huston was a narrow second after a flawless run that, along with his two best tricks, all scored in the 90s. He tapped his skateboard against the ramp and yelled, “Let’s go!” after essentially sealing his place in the final later Monday.
Japan’s Sora Shirai and Yuto Horigome, the defending gold medalist, were third and fourth. Making his Olympic debut, 14-year-old Japan skateboarder Ginwoo Onodera did not qualify, nor did the third U.S. skateboarder, Chris Joslin, who had an off day.
Argentina’s Matias Dell Olio, Kelvin Hoefler, Canada’s Cordano Russell and Slovakia’s Richard Tury also qualified. Tury’s final trick bumped France fan favorite Vincent Milou out of the top eight.
Milou, coming off a serious right ankle injury a couple of months earlier, called skating in Paris a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an honor.
This competition was scheduled for Saturday, but the same rain that soaked the opening ceremony down the Seine River — then much more overnight and into the morning — caused it to be postponed. World Skate cited adverse weather conditions for the move, and it was one of a handful of outdoor events affected over the weekend before skies cleared.
Sunny, warm weather greeted the skateboarders Monday, with temperatures reaching a high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) near the end of the preliminary round.
Australia’s Shane O’Neill wiped out on several of his runs and got bigger cheers each time from the crowd that peaked when he landed his fourth trick and finally flashed a smile. Over 10,000 miles from his home in Melbourne, O’Neill got another ovation after missing on his final chance, then flashed a thumbs up to the camera.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Americans Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston have taken the lead in the qualifying round of the men’s street skateboarding event at the Paris Olympics. The two talented athletes put on impressive performances, showcasing their skills and solidifying their positions as top contenders in the competition.
Eaton, known for his technical tricks and smooth style, wowed the judges with his flawless runs and creative use of the course. His ability to seamlessly link together difficult tricks and maintain speed and flow throughout his runs set him apart from the competition. Eaton’s consistency and precision earned him a spot at the top of the leaderboard, with a score that is sure to make him a strong contender in the finals.
Huston, a seasoned veteran in the world of skateboarding, also delivered a standout performance in the qualifying round. With his signature powerful style and impressive bag of tricks, Huston impressed both the judges and spectators alike. His ability to land difficult tricks with ease and execute flawless lines on the course solidified his position as a top contender in the event.
The men’s street skateboarding event at the Paris Olympics is shaping up to be a highly competitive and exciting competition, with Eaton and Huston leading the way. As two of the most talented and experienced skaters in the field, they are sure to put on a show in the finals and battle it out for the gold medal.
Skateboarding has gained popularity as an Olympic sport in recent years, with its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Games marking a historic moment for the sport. The athletes competing in the men’s street skateboarding event at the Paris Olympics are showcasing their skills and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard, captivating audiences around the world with their talent and creativity.
As Eaton and Huston continue to impress in the qualifying rounds, fans can look forward to an exciting finals event where they will go head-to-head with some of the best skaters in the world. With their skill, determination, and passion for the sport, Eaton and Huston are sure to leave a lasting impression on the Olympic stage and inspire a new generation of skateboarders to push themselves to new heights.
