SKATE INDUSTRY REFLECTS ON THE OLYMPICS Whilst skateboarding’s debut at this year’s Olympics was primarily met with mixed emotions, like it or not, it happened. And the initial reaction is all but negative tabloids all instantly jumped on the skateboarding bandwagon with front page features after Sky Brown won Britain’s first skateboarding medal. Some may disagree with skateboarding being in the Olympics, however times they are a ‘changing and it’s going to be interesting to see how it shapes skateboarding for the future. Insight from SOURCE Skateboarding Editor, Dave Morgan.
The initial photo/ video coverage of the event was rather questionable, with Olympics ‘sport’ media capturing ‘action shots’ instead of professional skate photographers, but this was quickly changed with guys such as Atiba Jefferson on hand. With this being skateboarding’s debut on such a platform, there was bound to be some questionable interpretation, however the majority of the commentary was applauded for explaining things in layman’s terms, as most countries used professional skateboarders to commentate.
trast to other Olympic sports, as a true sense of camaraderie and support for fellow skaters was so strong. High fives, hugs and smiles all round were seen between the various teams and countries. An activity that breaks down the usual sporting boundaries and unites all on a level mind-set is greatly refreshing.
Hopefully the worldwide exposure brought on by the Olympics will change the opinion of the general public towards skateboarding, with more councils willing to see the positive sides of such an A common conversation in regards to skateboardactivity, and more funding being put into skatepark ing’s Olympic debut and competitive skateboarding development and educational projects. It’s interin general is of course, the scoring of something esting to see what will happen in the future rewhich is considered an art form and a lifestyle, as garding funding for skateboarding, as in the UK for oppose to a sport. Obviously a more structured example, skateboarding received the least amount competition format than your local skatepark jam, of funding out of any sport, and still managed but how does this effect the actual skateboarding to win a medal. Looking at the UK for examples, taking place? The judging format pioneered by Skateboard GB received just £197,725 from UK Street League (and Park Series) that the Olympics Sport but Sky Brown’s bronze medal at the age of adopted for its debut has definitely helped make 13 means more Olympic success could be on the things a bit more tangible for those who didn’t agenda at future Games. understand skateboarding before. From a business point of view, it seems mostly posIt’s been noted how amazing it was to see skateitive - more exposure means more participation, boarders compete in the Olympics in sharp conmore participation - better business for the indus22
