Liz Akama Leads Women’s Street Skateboarding at World Skate Games Italia 2024
Summary
Liz Akama qualified first for the women’s street skateboarding semi-final at the World Skate Games Italia 2024 in Rome, followed closely by Rayssa Leal. Akama scored 75.61 while Leal secured 74.74. Notably, ten Japanese skaters reached the last 16, affirming their dominance in the sport. The semi-finals will continue to showcase elite talent live on the Olympic Channel.
At the World Skate Games Italia 2024, held in Rome on December 12, Liz Akama performed exceptionally well, securing her spot in the semi-finals of the women’s street skateboarding event. The 15-year-old Olympic silver medalist achieved an impressive score of 75.61 on her second run, demonstrating remarkable composure and skill throughout her performance. Akama’s qualification comes as little surprise, considering her positioning as one of the quarter-final seeds due to her previous success at the Olympics in Paris. Following closely behind was the 16-year-old Brazilian skater Rayssa Leal, who qualified in second place with a solid score of 74.74. Leal’s performance, along with Akama, highlighted the consistency of their skating, with both athletes being among only two competitors to surpass a score of 70 in both their runs during the quarter-finals. The presence of ten Japanese athletes, including renowned medallists Nakayama Funa and Nishiya Momiji, in the last 16 underscores the strength of Japan’s women’s street skating scene. Noteworthy inclusions were 12-year-old emerging skater Ibuki Matsumoto and reigning world champion Oda Yumeka, who qualified in 13th place. The semi-finals, which will be streamed live on the Olympic Channel, also feature established Olympians such as Pamela Rosa, Lucie Schoonheere, and Daniela Terol. Rosa and Leal are set to compete in the second of the semi-final heats, alongside other prominent athletes from the quarter-finals. Attention will now shift to the men’s quarter-finals, which will include notable skaters such as Kelvin Hoefler and Gustavo Ribeiro, as the competition progresses toward its climactic rounds.
The World Skate Games have emerged as a significant platform for skaters worldwide, particularly in the lead-up to major international competitions such as the Olympics. The 2024 Games in Paris promise to bring heightened scrutiny and excitement to the sport. Women’s street skateboarding has gained considerable attention, with many young athletes showcasing their talent and potential to influence the sport’s future. The event’s format, featuring a progressive elimination process, ensures that only the top performers advance, highlighting the competitive nature of the championship.
The World Skate Games Italia 2024 has set the stage for an exciting showcase of talent in women’s street skateboarding. Liz Akama and Rayssa Leal have already distinguished themselves among a field of skilled athletes, indicating their potential for future success. As the competition progresses, the growth of skateboarding as a prominent sport becomes evident, particularly with the strong representation from Japanese skaters. Anticipation builds as we move towards the semi-finals, where skill and determination will undoubtedly shine.
Original Source: olympics.com
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