Japan’s HORIGOME Yuto wins gold as street skateboarding makes historic Olympic debut (2024)

Japan’s HORIGOME Yuto has won the inaugural men’s street skateboarding event at the Olympic Games in his hometown.

After a gruelling seven rounds, the Japanese skateboarder took the title in style with a score of 37.18 at the Ariake Urban Sports Park.

Brazil’s Kelvin Hoefler, who was more than one point behind, secured the silver medal, while Jagger Eaton of USA clinched the bronze to complete the first Olympic podium in men's street skateboarding history.

Four-time world champion and pre-event favourite Nyjah Huston of the USA fell repeatedly while trying to land tricks and finished the final in 7th.

Horigome, 22, who was introduced to skateboarding by his father when he was a toddler, grew up in the Tokyo ward where the event was being held.

"It felt significant to return to Koto ward, it meant so much more for me," he said.

"I couldn't miss the fourth trick so I put everything I believed and worked for into that trick," he said, after describing how much pressure he felt after two disappointing runs.

Winning one of the first Olympic medals for skateboarding meant a lot not only to Horigome but also to Hoefler and his homeland.

“It feels amazing. I can't describe this moment. This medal means a lot for all the skaters in Brazil," said Hoefler.

"I feel blessed. I'm really happy to be part of this whole thing - at the (Olympic Village), with all the guys here. It is a big moment for skateboarding.

"Skateboarding deserved to be here, that's why we are here."

The competition featured seven gruelling rounds in intense heat at Ariake Urban Sports Park, and Huston was among the skateboarders who struggled with the conditions.

“Your feet started burning up,” said the Californian, billed as the highest paid skateboarder in the world. “Your board like gets so hot that it kind of flexes more. That’s kind of why I fell on one of those tricks out there.”

"I’m a little bummed at myself, obviously. I would have liked to have landed a couple more tricks out there. But it’s still an honour to be out here skating at the Olympics."

As Huston wilted, Horigome remained cool, focused and thrived, executing his toughest tricks to perfection on t.

In a final that was full of thrills and spills, the 22-year-old Japanese was the only skater in the final to score nothing but nines in all his tricks that counted.