Yuto Horigome, the first Olympic men’s street skateboarding gold medalist in Tokyo, is leading a group of elite Japanese male skateboarders known for their innovative and unique tricks. One example is Sora Shirai’s “cab sugarcane,” which fused two intricate tricks to receive a high score at an Olympic qualifier. Japanese skaters have dominated the sport due to their technical prowess and ability to perform tricks that others cannot replicate.
However, a new scoring system introduced after the Tokyo Olympics could impact Japan’s dominance in professional skateboarding. The change focuses on consistency and skill in both runs and tricks, which could pose challenges for Japanese skaters who excel in standalone tricks but struggle with consistent runs. Despite this change, experts believe that Team Japan will continue to excel in the sport due to their versatility and consistent performance in competitions.
The format change for the Paris Olympics aims to represent skateboarding in a more comprehensive way, capturing the full breadth and diversity of the sport. While Japanese skaters may face challenges in adapting to the new system, they have shown the ability to excel in various competitions and formats. With their consistent performance and versatility, experts predict that Team Japan will continue to produce some of the best skateboarders in the world and perform well in future competitions.
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