In what many are calling the greatest men's skateboard final ever, the men's street skateboarding competition at Paris 2024 delivered a spectacle for the ages.
Jagger Eaton, newly crowned Olympic silver medallist, affirmed this sentiment in a post-contest media address:
"Yes," he said when asked if it was the greatest final.
The backdrop was nothing short of iconic.
The Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysees, bathed in the brilliant Parisian sun, created a stunning stage.
The audience was equally impressive, filled with passionate fans and celebrities, all eagerly supporting the competitors.
Among the finalists were three Tokyo Olympic medallists, a 15-time X Games winner, the reigning world champion, and three skaters making history for their countries by reaching the final eight.
The contest saw fierce battles and unforgettable moments. Canadian Cordano Russell, 19, after faltering in his runs, delivered a powerful comeback in the best trick section.
Despite his earlier setbacks, he showcased resilience, performing three 90+ score tricks and relishing the applause from the captivated crowd.
The defining moments came from three giants of the sport: Japan's Yuto Horigome, and Americans Nyjah Huston and Jagger Eaton.
Huston led after the run section and held the top spot until the fourth round of trick attempts.
As Horigome and Japan's Shirai Sora stumbled, Eaton seized the moment.
He landed an enormous nollie 270 switch backside noseblunt, scoring 95.25 and temporarily claiming first place.
Eaton's joy was short-lived.
Horigome, having bailed on his previous attempts, executed a stunning nollie 270 bluntslide down the hubba on his final try, earning a 97.08 and the highest score of the final.
Huston and Eaton, both needing high 90+ scores to reclaim the lead, fell short, securing Horigome's victory.
Nyjah Huston: "Skating is Not Easy"
The final epitomized street skateboarding's raw essence.
The relentless succession of high-caliber tricks, punctuated by dramatic slams, underscored the sport's physical demands.
Huston, reflecting on his bronze medal win, emphasized the difficulty: "It's not easy. Skating is not easy. It's hard stuff we do out there."
Huston, a skateboarding legend, finally captured an Olympic medal.
Although he had "mixed feelings" about the bronze, he felt a sense of vindication.
In Tokyo, he had struggled under the immense pressure of skateboarding's Olympic debut, finishing seventh.
The journey to Paris involved battling through a competitive USA field and an ACL tear that sidelined him for eight months.
Overcoming these obstacles, Huston demonstrated his resilience and skill on one of the sport's biggest stages.
Jagger Eaton: "I'm Just So Grateful"
For Eaton, Paris represented a quest for redemption.
A bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020, Eaton aimed to qualify in both street and park for Paris.
This grueling journey tested him mentally and physically, as he competed in double the contests compared to his peers.
A last-minute slip in the final qualifier in Budapest shattered his hopes of a dual qualification.
Despite this setback, Eaton's performance in Paris was a testament to his perseverance.
Reflecting on his silver medal, he expressed deep gratitude:
"This stuff, it mentally and physically drains you. This last year and a half has been really tough... I'm just so grateful: there are no other words."
Yuto Horigome: "I Gave Everything to Win"
Horigome's victory was a powerful reminder of his skateboarding prowess.
After winning gold in Tokyo, he faced intense scrutiny and struggled with the newfound fame.
Early exits and the emergence of new talent cast doubts on his ability to defend his title in Paris.
However, Horigome silenced his critics with a stellar performance at the final Olympic qualifier in Budapest, securing his spot in Paris.
His dramatic final trick in Paris mirrored this comeback, as he clinched victory with a "one-per-cent chance" move.
"I can't believe it. I feel like I'm still dreaming," he said. Reflecting on his journey, he added, "I'm happy that I gave everything I had to win."
Paris 2024 | Men's Street Skateboarding Final
- Yuto Horigome (JPN) 281.14
- Jagger Eaton (USA) 281.04
- Nyjah Huston (USA) 279.38