Japanese male skateboarders, led by Yuto Horigome, have been dominating the professional skateboarding scene with their unique, innovative, and difficult tricks. Horigome, who won the first gold in Olympic men’s street skateboarding in Tokyo three years ago, is known for his exceptional skills. At a recent Olympic qualifier, Japanese skater Sora Shirai impressed judges with a fusion of two intricate tricks, receiving the highest score for a trick at such an event.
However, a new scoring system introduced after the Tokyo Olympics could potentially curb Japanese skaters’ dominance in the sport. The new system, which will be used in the upcoming Paris Olympics, focuses on the total score of a skater’s best run and two best trick scores, rather than the previous format of four scores from two runs and five tricks. This change may challenge Team Japan, as they have been known to excel in tricks but struggle with consistency in runs compared to competitors from Brazil and the United States.
Despite the scoring change, members of Team Japan remain optimistic and adaptable. Liz Akama, a Japanese skater, expressed confidence in adapting to the new format and focusing on perfecting tricks that can be used in runs. Experts predict that Team Japan will continue to excel in Paris, as they have consistently showcased their versatility and skills in various competitions. The country is seen as producing some of the best skateboarders in the world, ensuring that they will remain a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Olympics.
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