USWNT vs. Zambia Olympic Games Recap

Skateboarding is only the second official Olympic sport and takes place in Paris for a one-day street race on Sunday, July 28.

Twenty-two skaters from eleven countries are getting ready to show their best tricks to five judges, who will rate their performances on a scale of 0 to 100 points.

How the street competition works

Street races simulate an urban environment, with obstacles such as ledges, railings and stairs incorporated throughout the course.

Athletes attempt five tricks in each of two 45-second runs. However, only their best run and best two tricks count toward their total score. The top eight skaters after the preliminary round advance to the final, which follows the same format.

Team USA’s medal-chasing skateboarding trio

Countries are limited to a maximum of three skaters for each competition (street and park). In the 2024 Olympic street competition, five countries qualified for a full trio — including the U.S.

Under USA Skateboarding coach Alexis Sablone, who finished fourth in the street competition at the Tokyo Olympics, the only Olympic veteran competing is 27-year-old Mariah Duran, who hopes to add an Olympic medal to the six X Games awards she already has in her trophy case.

In addition to Duran – and representing Olympic skateboarding’s significant youth group – are 19-year-old Poe Pinson and 16-year-old Paige Heyn, who won bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games.

Top contenders aim to surpass Tokyo Olympics

The US will undoubtedly face fierce competition in Paris, with Japan leading the way.

With six of the world’s top 10 street skateboarders hailing from Japan, the three-skater rule has forced them to leave some big names behind. That includes Momiji Nishiya, who won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo at age 13. With Nishiya failing to qualify, 19-year-old Japanese reigning bronze medalist Funa Nakayama and 14-year-old world No. 1 Coco Yoshizawa are poised to take her place on the podium.

Another major threat is Brazilian phenom Rayssa Leal. The 16-year-old impressed Tony Hawk at the age of eight and looks set to top her silver medal performance in Tokyo on Sunday.

Where can you watch the USA Skateboarding Olympic Street Team?

Both the 6 a.m. ET prelims and the 11 a.m. ET finals will take place on Sunday, July 28, with live coverage on NBC platforms.