Published on : 04/08/2021 – 07:54Modified : 04/08/2021 – 07:52
Tokyo (AFP)
The Japanese Sakura Yosozumi, 19, became on Wednesday the first Olympic champion in park, one of the two disciplines of skateboarding, a new sport on the program at the Tokyo Games.
With a score of 60.09 points, she edged her compatriot Kokona Hiraki (59.04), only 12 years, 11 months and 9 days old, and the other big favorite, Briton Sky Brown (56.47) , just 13 years old.
Under a hot sun, Yosozumi, winner of the Dew Tour this year (benchmark skate event) ahead of her rival but great friend Sky Brown, made the difference from her first “run” (passage) that she did not improve. then.
Sky Brown fell during his first two runs but signed a fine last run of 56.47 pts, however insufficient to seize the title of this discipline which consists of offering very aerial figures in a deep bowl with relief during three passages of 45 seconds.
The Briton born in Japan and who lives part of her time in the United States must be satisfied with the bronze, behind Hiraki, in silver.
Outpaced by their eldest Yosozumi for the title, the two teenagers have therefore not broken the record for precocity in Olympic history held since 1936 by the American Marjorie Gestring, crowned Olympic champion in diving at 13 years and 267 days.
Japan had already won the titles of street, the other discipline of skateboarding: Yuto Horigome, 22, had won in the men and Momiji Nishiya, soon 14, won in the women.
Skateboarding is one of the five additional sports at these Games along with surfing, karate, rock climbing and baseball / softball.
© 2021 AFP
