PARIS (Reuters) – Nyjah Huston and Aurelien Giraud experienced some disappointment in Tokyo, but the two skaters are now gearing up for the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympics, eager to feel the love of the crowd for the first time. Three years ago in Japan, Giraud finished in sixth place with Huston just one spot behind, despite Huston’s status as a street skateboarding legend with 12 X Games gold medals.
However, in the recent SLS first leg event held in Paris’ Adidas Arena, both skaters were at the top of their game, with Giraud claiming first place and Huston coming in third. The Olympic events are set to take place at the Place de la Concorde, but Huston and Giraud, the reigning street skateboard world champion, were able to get a taste of the support from the Paris crowd.
“I think the energy at the Olympics will be much better, unlike the strange atmosphere in Tokyo with no crowd or excitement. I’m looking forward to experiencing it again; it’s going to be a blast,” said 29-year-old Huston in an interview with Reuters. Despite his extensive experience at the X Games and six world championship titles, Huston is eager to embrace the unique vibe of the Olympics.
“The difference between the X Games and the Olympics is significant. The Olympic course will be larger, and it’s a legendary event that is globally recognized. You’re representing your country, so the pressure is on a whole different level compared to competing for your family and fans,” explained the American skateboarder.
Widely considered one of the greatest skateboarders in history, Huston believes that skateboarding’s inclusion in the Olympics is long overdue. He expressed, “I initially didn’t think much about it, but when it became a possibility, I wondered why it took so long. Skateboarding should have been included in the Olympics years ago, similar to snowboarding.”
Snowboarding has been a part of the Olympic Games since 1998, when it debuted at the Nagano Winter Games. “But now that it’s part of the Olympics, I wish it had been added earlier so I could have had more opportunities when I was younger. Nonetheless, I’m grateful to still be able to compete at this level and strive for victory,” added Huston. “Paris is going to be amazing; I can’t wait.”
Giraud, who will have the advantage of competing in front of his home crowd, shares Huston’s enthusiasm. “It’s an incredible opportunity that comes once in a lifetime,” said the 26-year-old skater. He highlighted the impact of the fans, stating, “Having the fans there changes everything; they provide the adrenaline rush that fuels our performance.”
Giraud hopes that the Olympics, which will shine a new spotlight on the sport, will help change the perception of skateboarders. “There are stereotypes in every sport, but it doesn’t bother us. Some people think we just hang out in the streets, but in reality, we are dedicated to our craft and put in hours of training every day, more than three hours,” he emphasized.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
