When did skateboarding become an Olympic sport?

Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Hardcore skaters grumbled about the sport going mainstream, and the IOC worried about liability from injuries. But in the end, skateboarding proved to be a huge success.

How does Olympic skateboarding work?

There are two competitions: street competition and park competition.

In street, skateboarders perform tricks on a street-like course with stairs and railings. They get two runs of 45 seconds and perform five tricks. The final score is the combined points of the best run and the best two tricks.

In the park, skateboarders perform high-flying tricks in a hollowed-out concrete bowl with ramps and quarter pipes. The skaters get three runs of 45 seconds and the best eight advance to the final.

88 skateboarders are participating in the competition, 44 men and 44 women.

Who are the best skateboarders on Team USA?

Jagger Eaton, who won bronze in the men’s street at the Tokyo Games and was one of two Americans to medal in skateboarding’s Olympic debut, will compete in the street. Nyjah Huston, considered one of the best street skaters of all time but who finished a disappointing seventh in the men’s street at the Tokyo Games, is looking for redemption. Bryce Wettsein finished sixth in the park at the Tokyo Games.