The Japanese skateboarder Yuto Horigome has secured the gold medal in men’s street skateboarding at the recent Olympic Games in Paris. This achievement came in a dramatic fashion as Horigome clinched the title with his final trick during an intense final. Team USA’s Jagger Eaton upgraded his bronze from Tokyo to silver, while his compatriot Nyjah Huston took the last spot on the podium.
Horigome proved to be a true champion, executing a flawless slide down the 10-stair round rail to secure the gold at the last moment, all while smiling broadly. This performance further cemented Japan’s dominance in the sport, just a day after his compatriot Coco Yoshizawa won the women’s event. “It was tough to reach the podium this time. The skate level is insane,” said Horigome after his victory. Eaton delivered several of his best tricks throughout the five attempts but couldn’t catch up with Horigome after falling on his final chance.
The competition took place under clear skies in warming heat, following a rain delay that postponed the event from Saturday. Participants remained calm in front of a packed audience at La Concorde.
Horigome quickly emerged as a favorite, optimally utilizing the 18 features on the course in his first run. Huston led into the five tricks and finished his second run with a nollie backside 180—Huston, one of the biggest names in American skateboarding, was eager for redemption after a disappointing seventh place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. However, Eaton temporarily took the lead with a nollie 270 slide in his fourth attempt. Horigome seemed at risk of missing the podium entirely after falling on three of his first four attempts. But he seized the opportunity and performed a magical trick at the last moment, prompting jubilant cheers from Japanese fans.
The skateboarding championships continue with women’s and men’s park events on August 6 and 7.
Daiki Hashimoto transformed heartbreak into incredible joy as he overcame a fall from the horse to lead Japan to a gold medal in gymnastics. Japan had a nerve-wracking victory over China in the thrilling men’s team final. Team USA celebrated their first Olympic team medal since 2008, capturing bronze.
As the competition approached its conclusion, it appeared that China had the title secured, but Su Weide fell twice during his routine, turning the title race into a nail-biting affair. Japan ultimately won with a score of 259.594, less than a point ahead of China.
Christa Deguchi claimed gold in the women’s under 57 kg category, providing Canada with its first Olympic gold in judo. Hidayat Heydarov of Azerbaijan disappointed the local crowd by winning the men’s under 73 kg final after a long match against French underdog Joan-Benjamin Gaba.
In cycling, Tom Pidcock of Great Britain made a comeback after a puncture, retaining his Olympic title in mountain biking after a thrilling battle against France’s Victor Koretzky. Pidcock, who won gold in Tokyo, was 35 seconds behind following the puncture but returned to cross the finish line nine seconds ahead of Koretzky, with South Africa’s Alan Hatherly taking bronze. The gold medal served as an early birthday present for Pidcock, who turns 25 on Tuesday.