Nyjah Huston, Jagger Eaton, and Yuto Horigome declare it has been the best final in the history of the skateboarding.
- Japan on top: Yuto Horigome wins gold after yesterday’s victory from Coco Yoshizawa in the Women’s Street category.
Victor Casanovas
Urban World Series & SevenMila CEO
In the heart of the Parisian capital, with a sold-out crowd, the world’s best athletes have delivered an unprecedented competition. The grand finale concluded in the last round of best tricks with the Japanese athlete’s Nollie backside 270 bluntslide.
Jagger Eaton, the silver medalist and double medalist (bronze in Tokyo 2020) commented to UWS that after not securing a spot in Park, he went through one of his lowest moments, considering it a disappointment. “But as always, in the big moments and this year with the stands full, the crowd helps you turn fears into positive energy. I am very happy to be here with the medal hanging around my neck. These two companions at the table (referring to Yuto and Nyjah) help me believe in myself and give my best.”
When asked about his last trick, the Nollie 270 backside noseblunt, the American stated that thanks to the Japanese athlete, he overcame his fears to enter the big section and attempt this trick. “I had practiced it very little beforehand. I knew I needed a final trick to try to be on top, and it was all or nothing, and fortunately, it turned out well.”
The podium veteran, the legend Nyjah Huston, arrived at the press conference with a big smile. “Completing the round gave me a boost that helped me reach the end. I come from a knee operation, the first of my career, and the energy the crowd gave me today is something I will never forget. Being here with a medal is something I’ve been seeking for a long time, and unfortunately, in Tokyo, I didn’t give myself the opportunity like I did today.” At 28 years old and 18 years competing at the highest level, Nyjah has a long way to go. “I’ve spent almost my entire life in LA, and I’m going to give it my all to reach the 2028 Olympics. More young people are coming up who make it very difficult for me, but I have a lot of career left, and I’m going for it.”
He has hung his second consecutive gold medal, and it is still difficult for him to smile. Yuto Horigome is always there at key moments; he secured his spot in the Olympics with the last trick of the Olympic qualifier in Budapest, and today he left everyone amazed with his Nollie backside 270 bluntslide that took him to the first position. “I consider myself calm and able to manage pressure. I am very happy to win again and enjoy this sport.”
The day began with the qualifiers to define the top 8 who would advance to the final round. Along the way, big names like Gustavo Ribeiro, Giovanni Vianna, Felipe Gustavo, or the local hero Aurelien Giroud fell. On the other hand, two classics of the Urban World Series competitions, the Argentine Mattias del Olio and the Slovak Richard Tury, managed to reach the final. It was not the day for the young Japanese Ginwoo Onodera, whose poor best tricks round left him in 14th position. Mauro Iglesias and Jhancarlos Gonzales, also regulars in the UWS, put on a great show but did not make it to the final.