In recent times, Japanese skateboarders have demonstrated remarkable prowess on the global stage, significantly contributing to their nation’s success at the Olympic Games. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Japanese athletes secured four of the twelve available medals in skateboarding, including two golds and two silvers. However, it is noteworthy that the eminent athletes Nishiya Momiji and Oda Yumeka, both of whom have attained world championship status, were conspicuously absent from the competition at La Concorde in the women’s street event.

Had these elite skaters represented any nation other than Japan, it is reasonable to presume they would have been competing at a prestigious venue and vying for medals before an international audience. Their absence highlights the intensely competitive landscape of Japanese skateboarding today. World champion Oda Yumeka has once again missed the opportunity to participate in Olympic skateboarding. Nishiya Momiji, who emerged as one of the inaugural Olympic champions at Tokyo 2020, holds the record as Japan’s youngest Olympic gold medallist at the age of thirteen years and 330 days, gaining acclaim both domestically and internationally.

Oda Yumeka narrowly missed qualification for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, falling just short of joining her compatriot Nishiya. This setback fueled her determination, pushing her to excel at the World Championships held in Tokyo in December 2023, where she claimed her first title, defeating Olympic silver medallist Rayssa Leal and securing third place for Nishiya.

As the Olympic Qualifying Series (OQS) commenced in May in Shanghai, Oda and Nishiya were viewed as strong contenders for two of Japan’s three slots for the Paris Games. However, their aspirations were thwarted amid immense pressure and stiff competition. Both skaters found themselves ranked outside the top three following the competitions in Shanghai and Budapest, ultimately preventing them from qualification for Paris 2024. In contrast, fellow competitor Horigome Yuto successfully qualified and went on to achieve a second consecutive Olympic gold medal.

Nishiya and Oda were ranked seventh and fifth, respectively, following their performances, while Yoshizawa Coco and Akama Liz qualified for the Games, finishing first and second in Paris, alongside Nakayama Funa, the bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020. It is also noteworthy that Ito Miyu contributed to the impressive performance of Japanese skaters, placing six in the top ten of the Olympic qualifying standings within the women’s street category.

As the World Skate Games Italia 2024 is set to commence on September 10, 2024, there is ample opportunity for Nishiya Momiji and Oda Yumeka to reignite their competitive spirits. At merely 17 years of age, both skaters possess significant potential for future successes. As they aspire towards the LA28 Olympics, there remains a strong possibility that they may secure podium positions in the upcoming competition.

In conclusion, the intense competition within Japanese skateboarding has resulted in some of its most talented athletes missing out on Olympic opportunities. Yet, the journey does not stop here for Nishiya Momiji and Oda Yumeka, as they continue to challenge themselves and strive for excellence in future competitions, particularly at the imminent World Skate Games in Italy. The future remains bright for these promising athletes who are sure to make their mark in the years to come.

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