· Japan’s Kairi Netsuke and Liz Akama claimed the top spot winning at the Dubai WST in Street.
· Gustavo Ribeiro & Sora Shirai in Men category, and Chloe Covell & Coco Yoshizawa in Women, completed the podiums.
The Dubai WST comes to an end after the street competition last weekend.
After last week Park competition, with Spanish Naia Laso and Danny León winning gold, Dubai became the stage for the World Skate Skateboarding Street Event too, which determined the final pints for the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifier Series. The competition, held from 3 to 10 March, saw the world’s best male and female skateboarders battle it out in the Street Park built by California Skateparks.
In the men’s division, it was a neck-and-neck race to the finish, with Japan’s Kairi Netsuke emerging as the ultimate victory. Netsuke’s electrifying performance, capped off by a jaw-dropping Nollie Inward Heelflip to Frontside Boardslide, secured him the top spot, edging out Portugal’s Gustavo Ribeiro by the slimmest of margins. Despite a valiant effort from favorite Sora Shirai, Netsuke’s last-minute heroics proved to be the difference maker, leaving Shirai settling for a respectable great third place.
Notable mention goes to Spain’s Gabriel Ferrero, whose commendable performance unfortunately fell short of qualifying for the finals. Nonetheless, Ferrero showcased his skills and left a lasting impression on spectators and competitors alike.
In the women’s division, it was a display of youthful talent and perseverance as Japan’s Liz Akama claimed the top spot with a stunning performance in the finals. Despite a strong showing from Australian sensation Chloe Covell, Akama’s flawless execution in the Best Trick segment propelled her to victory, marking her second World Skate Skateboarding title.
Covell, who entered the finals as the favorite, faltered in the Best Trick segment, opening the door for Akama to seize the lead. Joining Akama on the podium was Coco Yoshizawa, another rising star from Japan, whose impressive performance earned her a well-deserved spot in the top three.
The event also saw commendable efforts from Spanish riders Daniela Terol, Sara Larrañaga, Valentina Krauel, and Afrika Criado Oliva. Their participation added to the diversity and competitiveness of the event, although they fell short of qualifying for the finals.
As the dust settles in Dubai, skateboarders from around the world now set their sights on the final phase of qualification, slated to take place in Budapest and Shanghai.
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, the excitement and anticipation continue to build as the world’s best skateboarders prepare to showcase their skills on the grandest stage of all.
