The 2020 Tokyo Olympics marked a historic moment for skateboarding: its debut on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Hometown hero Yuto Horigome clinched the gold in the men’s street competition, showcasing his skills honed on the very streets of Tokyo.
Japan’s dominance continued with 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya claiming gold in the women’s street event, becoming the nation’s youngest Olympic gold medalist. The Japanese skateboarding team continued their success in the women’s park event with Sakura Yosozumi securing gold and 12-year-old Kokona Hiraki taking silver. These young athletes displayed incredible talent and demonstrated the exciting future of skateboarding.
Skateboarding’s Counter-Cultural Roots
The sight of skateboarding in the Olympics might seem strange to some. This isn’t because of a lack of skill or talent, but rather because of skateboarding’s history as a rebellious activity, often viewed as a counter-culture movement.
Skateboarding has always been about creativity, personal expression, and pushing boundaries. The sport emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, with innovators like Mark Gonzales, Rodney Mullen, and Tony Alva revolutionizing the sport. Skateboarding thrived in the streets and in purpose-built skate parks, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
Skateboarding was never about strict rules or confined spaces. It was about freedom, improvisation, and defying conventions. The absence of scores, stadiums, and limits allowed for unique styles and personal flair.
From the Streets to the Global Stage
Skateboarding’s popularity eventually caught the attention of big corporations. The X-Games emerged in 1995, bringing skateboarding to a wider audience with the support of major brands like ESPN, Nike, and Mountain Dew. This increased visibility didn’t translate into huge financial gains for all skaters, and many continued to struggle financially.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took notice of skateboarding’s popularity and decided to include it in the 2020 Olympics. However, this decision sparked debate within the skateboarding community.
A Divided Community: embracing the Olympics vs. maintaining the spirit
The IOC’s interest in skateboarding is undeniable. They see it as a youthful and dynamic sport with the potential to attract a new generation of viewers. However, the IOC’s involvement raised concerns about the future of skateboarding. Some skaters, like John Cardiel, a legend in the skateboarding subculture, believed that the Olympics contradicted the essence of skateboarding. Cardiel felt that the Olympic focus on competition and rules clashed with the core values of individuality, creativity, and freedom that define skateboarding.
Others, like Nyjah Huston, a top professional skater, embraced the opportunity to grow the sport on a global stage. Huston saw the Olympics as a platform to showcase skateboarding’s talent and reach a wider audience.
Nora Vasconcellos, a world-renowned skater, believes that the Olympics can provide more opportunities for female skaters, helping them gain recognition and improve their overall standing in the sport.
The Future of Skateboarding: A Balance Between Tradition and Evolution
Skateboarding has always been about pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics presents a unique challenge, requiring a delicate balance between embracing the opportunity for growth and preserving the core values that have defined the sport for decades.
As skateboarding enters this new chapter, it’s crucial that the athletes continue to express their individuality and creativity, resisting the pressures of commercialization and maintaining the spirit of rebellion that makes skateboarding so unique.
