Japan's Yoshizawa, 14, Makes a Big Leap to Land Olympic Skateboard Gold
In a stunning display of talent and determination, 14-year-old Coco Yoshizawa from Japan clinched the gold medal in the all-teenage women's street skateboard final at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. Her victory was marked by a high-risk ride down the handrail, showcasing her skill and fearlessness.
A High-Stakes Performance
Yoshizawa entered her penultimate trick with two impressive scores but needed a third to secure her win. "I knew that if I wanted to win, I had to go for the most difficult tricks. I didn't aim for second or third place; I aimed for the top spot with my highest difficulty moves," she stated confidently. Despite her competitors having one more run, Yoshizawa celebrated by raising her board above her head, a gesture of triumph and relief. "After making it, I was not so much happy as relieved," she reflected. "Completing the big spin flip felt fantastic because I hadn't managed it in practice, so to nail it here meant a lot."
The Competition
Fellow Japanese skater Liz Akama, aged 15, secured the silver medal with a score of 265.95, while Brazil's Rayssa Leal, the oldest of the three medallists at 16, took home the bronze with 253.37 points. The competition was fierce, with Leal expressing her excitement about the vibrant Brazilian crowd that filled the arena, saying, "It felt like it was 100 percent Brazilians in the crowd."
A Historic Venue
The women's street final took place at the iconic Place de La Concorde, where the evening sun illuminated the ancient obelisk of Luxor and the Grand Palais. After a day of rain that postponed the men's event, the skies cleared, creating a humid yet exhilarating atmosphere for the competitors.
Celebrating Victory
Yoshizawa, part of a new generation of Japanese skaters, amassed a total of 272.75 points from her best three runs. Reflecting on her experience, she remarked, "I could perform with the Eiffel Tower as a background, but I was focused on skateboarding and didn't see anything until I was on the podium." To celebrate her victory, she expressed a desire to enjoy some ramen and visit Disneyland.
Japan's Dominance in Skateboarding
Japan has made a significant mark in women's street skateboarding, winning four of the six medals since the event's introduction in Tokyo. Akama attributed their success to the diligence and hard work of the Japanese people, stating, "The reason we are very strong is that the Japanese people are diligent and work hard toward their dreams."
As the skateboarding events continue, with the men's street competition set to resume, Japan looks poised to maintain its dominance in this thrilling sport. With defending Olympic champion Yuto Horigome and rising stars like Sora Shirai and 14-year-old Ginwoo Onodera, the future of Japanese skateboarding appears bright.