Horigome Clinches Gold in Thrilling Skateboarding Showdown at Olympics

In a dramatic conclusion to the men’s street skateboarding event at the 2024 Olympics, Japan's Yuto Horigome secured his second consecutive gold medal, narrowly defeating American skaters Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston. Horigome, who was trailing going into his final attempt, executed a stunning nollie 270 to nosebluntside trick, earning him a score that edged out Eaton by just 0.1 points. The electrifying atmosphere of the event, in stark contrast to the empty stands of Tokyo 2021, added to the excitement of the competition. Eaton, who had held the lead until Horigome's final trick, expressed his disappointment, stating, “I thought I won, and then I got off the ride.” Huston, who also had a chance to claim gold, acknowledged the pressure of the moment, admitting he was frustrated for not landing his last trick. Both skaters recognized Horigome's exceptional composure under pressure, with Huston remarking, “I don’t think Yuto feels fear or pressure.” The competition showcased an elite level of skateboarding, with even those finishing lower in the rankings demonstrating remarkable skill. Canadian skater Cornado Russell, despite not medaling, praised the event as a representation of the sport's future, highlighting the high scores achieved by competitors. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the event faced delays due to heavy rain that affected the opening ceremony, but the rescheduled competition proved to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and athletes alike.