Aug 7, 2024; Paris, France; Keegan Palmer (AUS) competes in men’s park preliminaries during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at La Concorde 4. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY SportsPARIS — Australia’s Keegan Palmer held off American Tom Schaar at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday to defend his title from the Tokyo Games and become the first back-to-back gold medallist in the men’s park skateboarding event.
Palmer whipped through the concrete bowl in an opening run packed with tricks to grab the lead with a score of 93.11, which would ultimately prove enough as Schaar was unable to stay attached to his board in his final run.
Brazil’s Augusto Akio edged countryman Pedro Barros to take bronze.
With the title secured before his final run, Palmer took a victory lap in front of the boisterous crowd, which included skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and rapper Snoop Dogg.
Barros and American Tate Carew skated out to meet Palmer on the jump box in the middle of the bowl and lifted the 21-year-old up on their shoulders in a great show of sportsmanship.
Three years ago, Palmer came out of nowhere to dominate the inaugural park competition in Tokyo but was a favorite coming into Wednesday’s final.
He won the preliminaries earlier in the day with his blistering speed, huge air and complete control and did not let up in the final at La Concorde.
Palmer’s triumph followed 14-year-old Australian Arisa Trew winning the women’s park event on Tuesday.
–Reuters, Special to Field Level Media
The Paris Olympics witnessed an exhilarating display of talent and skill in the men’s park skateboarding event, with Australia’s Keegan Palmer emerging victorious to defend his title from the previous Tokyo Games. Palmer’s remarkable performance not only secured him the gold medal but also made him the first back-to-back gold medallist in this event.
In a thrilling final at La Concorde, Palmer showcased his mastery of the concrete bowl with a dazzling opening run filled with impressive tricks, earning him a score of 93.11. Despite fierce competition from American Tom Schaar, Palmer’s consistency and control proved to be the deciding factor as Schaar faltered in his final run.
Brazil’s Augusto Akio clinched the bronze medal after edging out his countryman Pedro Barros in a closely contested battle for the podium. The atmosphere at the venue was electric, with skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and rapper Snoop Dogg among the spectators cheering on the athletes.
As Palmer celebrated his victory before his final run, the spirit of sportsmanship was on full display as Barros and American Tate Carew joined him on the jump box, lifting him on their shoulders in a heartwarming gesture of camaraderie.
Palmer’s journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable, having burst onto the scene three years ago to dominate the inaugural park competition in Tokyo. His performance in the preliminaries and the final in Paris showcased his exceptional speed, aerial prowess, and unwavering control, establishing him as a favorite and ultimately leading to his well-deserved triumph.
The Paris Olympics also saw Australian Arisa Trew, a 14-year-old prodigy, claim victory in the women’s park event, further highlighting the talent and diversity within the sport of skateboarding.
In conclusion, Keegan Palmer’s back-to-back gold medal win in the men’s park skateboarding event at the Paris Olympics cements his status as a true champion and a standout performer in the sport. His dedication, skill, and sportsmanship serve as an inspiration to aspiring skateboarders around the world, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.
