This special edition article is presented because I like to share great sporting moments. The last time I did this was to herald Phil Mickelson winning the PGA Championship as the oldest ‘Mayor’ winner. Today we go to the other end of the sporting-age spectrum.
Call me an old fashioned Olympic traditionalist… I regretted the decision to include Skateboarding as an Olympic sport. I rued the day it would be broadcasted, but that day soon came. I tuned in so I could scoff and vent my disdain. At its commencement I laughed under my breath as every second participant landed on their backsides doing their ramp-railing trick. Gradually my forecasted displeasure turned to one of intrigue and admiration as I found myself willing participants on.
These mostly kids through their endeavour, persistence and amicability (especially displayed towards their rivals) often in the face of their own individual downfall brought an atmosphere to the Olympic scene I wasn’t accustomed. Their relatability, humor and artistic merit made ‘Skateboarding’ (at least for me) captivating. I tuned into last night’s skating at peak dreariness after watching a full session of the Athletics. I didn’t imagine it would maintain my interest. But after Ollies and Nollie from these lasses I was plastered to the screen. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I sure as hell can admire them!
The interactions between the competitors after they nailed or failed a run really drew me in. They each lasted 45 seconds. Brown, Hiraki and Okamoto amongst those who stood out from the beginning with bigger airs, more nuanced tricks and bursts of speed and confidence were awarded the medals and not in that order.
The moment for me making my hairs stand up on end was 13 year old Great Britain’s Sky Brown’s final. Sky (pictured above) had nothing going her way entering the final and had to pull every trick known to her to get into medal contention, and despite that pressure she pulled off the best run I saw last night. (you can see her run from 37:50 until 39:00 minutes in the video below)
Overall, no one was left behind. Every competitor it seemed rooted for the other like their soul depended on it. ‘Empathy‘ I have realised is the key descriptive word which categorises what young generations strive towards.
As an Olympic launching event, I think Skateboarding is definitely an Olympic keeper if grit, rhythmic art, suspense and human interaction are factors. I relayed this stunning Skateboarding Park event below although it is spoken in Spanish. The commentators I would award a fourth medal (if such a thing existed) for their exuberance and attention to detail. I think it’s the best Latin sporting commentary I have ever heard.
I would love to read from anyone else about their opinions after watching the Skateboarding this Olympics.
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
It’s not easy. I tried when I was 12-13 and fell on my ass too many times. I admire all of them who can do this.
I skateboarded a bit with my brother growing up. We didn’t do tricks like they do these days. We did it more for adrenalin purposes like boarding down steep slopes etc.
I too admire these folk. I don’t think I have seen so much emotion expressed by Olympic Athletes. It was refreshing.
I too have enjoyed the new sports such as skate boarding, surfing and climbing.
I haven’t seen surfing or climbing as yet. But it would appear the new sports are a resounding success. Cheers Sheree.