Skateboarders hope Olympic gold changes minds in 'strict' Japan

Enchanted? Well, it's certainly not showing on Suga's face. This guy shows no emotion and doesn't seem to inspire anything.

Congrats to the young man.

*The Mainichi and Yomiuri dailies issued extra editions full of photos and stories about the triumphant return home for Horigome, who is now based in the United States.*

Seems like if anyone wants to improve, they have to go abroad.

Its a bit off if people are allowed to jabber on for hours sitting next to each other in a Starbucks but a skatepark is closed due to Covid. A quick Google brings up photos showing that Komazawa Skate Park is outdoors.

As for the number of skateparks, I think you'll find its the same as many other sports. Tokyo isn't exactly blessed with full-sized pitches where people can play football or rugby.

Skate parks can be put on roofs. Just sayin'.

Suga knows he is out in a month, just after the Paralympics ends. He's main goal was 100% sacrificial - to hold the Olympics at any cost. If he doesn't retire completely, he will get some honorary 10 yr position in the IOC as a "consultant".

There shouldn't be any question about whether skaters are athletes. They are at least as much as ice skaters and freestyle skiers are. There is a beauty in the sport. Perhaps it is an acquired taste, tainted by the poor skaters make noise on the streets and sidewalks.

Seems like if anyone wants to improve, they have to go abroad.

Abroad? Okay, just fyi MANY skateboarders (FROM ALL COUNTRIES) move to California after turning pro. Not just to improve, but also because the pro circuit is mostly held on the West Coast and because SoCal is the capital of the industry. And Yuto was a phenom even before he moved here.

Abroad? Okay, just fyi MANY skateboarders (FROM ALL COUNTRIES) move to California after turning pro. Not just to improve, but also because the pro circuit is mostly held on the West Coast and because SoCal is the capital of the industry. And Yuto was a phenom even before he moved here.

Is America not considered abroad for Horigome? I don't know what point you're trying to make aside from agreeing with me.