The Tokyo Olympics, skateboarding’s first foray into the land of the rings, have been moved to July 23 to August 8, 2021 thanks to COVID-19. But, there is also some good news. Pro skateboarder Jamie Foy has been elected to the Athletes’ Advisory Council for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
“I’m honored I was chosen as athlete representative for skateboarding, and I’m honored that my peers put their trust in me,” says Foy regarding his new role. “I was looking forward to getting into the Olympic Games as soon as possible and then filming in the streets as much as I can, but now we just need to do our part and stay home, and soon we will have even more time to practice and get ready to skate to the best of our abilities.”
It’s always good to have people who know what they’re doing (Thrasher’s “Skater of the Year” 2017) advocating for the athletes. So, congrats, Jamie. For the official word from USA Skateboarding, please follow the jump.
Tokyo Olympic Games Moved to July 23-August 8, 2021; Jamie Foy Elected to USOPC’s Athlete’s Advisory Council as Skateboarding Representative
Orange County, Calif. (April 3, 2020) — With second season of the Olympic Skateboarding qualifying process cancelled and the 2020 Olympics postponed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the staff at USA Skateboarding and the 2020 National Skateboard team now have their sights set on Skateboarding’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2021 Games.
“While the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games is hugely disappointing for our team and everyone who has been working incredibly hard towards skateboarding’s Olympic debut this summer in Tokyo, I applaud Japan and the IOC for acting swiftly and making this unprecedented and difficult decision in these uncertain times,” says Josh Friedberg, CEO, USA Skateboarding. “The daily support from the USOPC has allowed us to navigate this complex situation in a deliberate way, while focusing on the most important things—the health, safety, and well-being of our athletes and staff. Change is the best opportunity for growth, and we intend to honor those who are suffering in this crisis by making the most of the extra days we’ve been granted. Together we will overcome this challenge and emerge with a greater understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of every person on this planet. We look forward to a celebration of the human spirit unlike anything we’ve ever seen at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan in 2021.”
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Athletes’ Advisory Council (AAC) is responsible for broadening communication between the USOPC and active athletes, and serves as a source of input and advice to the organization’s board of directors. The AAC is comprised of one representative from each Olympic sport. USA Skateboarding is proud to announce that Jamie Foy will represent skateboarding on the AAC.
“I’m honored I was chosen as athlete representative for skateboarding, and I’m honored that my peers put their trust in me,” says Foy regarding his new role. “I was looking forward to getting into the Olympic Games as soon as possible and then filming in the streets as much as I can, but now we just need to do our part and stay home, and soon we will have even more time to practice and get ready to skate to the best of our abilities.”
Friedberg said: ”Jamie’s election as the USA Skateboarding AAC rep is a testament to the respect he’s earned from his fellow skateboarders both on and off his board. It’s amazing to have a SOTY (Thrasher’s “Skater of the Year” 2017 award recipient) representing the best interests of skateboarding athletes on the AAC and I know our skaters are in great hands as we continue down the Road to Tokyo next year.”
Current Top Three American Rankings (*World Ranked #1):
Women’s Park Women’s Street
1. Bryce Wettstein 1. Mariah Duran
2. Brighton Zeuner 2. Alexis Sablone
3. Jordyn Barratt 3. Alana Smith
Men’s Park Men’s Street
1. Heimana Reynolds* 1. Nyjah Huston*
2. Cory Juneau 2. Jake Ilardi
3. Tom Schaar 3. Maurio McCoy
For more information on events, qualifying and athletes log on to www.usaskateboarding.net or follow on social media to stay in the loop for all announcements. Facebook || Instagram || Twitter
About USA Skateboarding
As the recognized governing body for skateboarding in the United States, USA Skateboarding (USAS) is responsible for the selection, training, and fielding of national teams that compete in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and other sanctioned team events. USAS is also responsible for the development of youth skateboarding initiatives that support grassroots programs, education, licensing, and safety while respecting and enhancing the existing culture of skateboarding in the United States. USAS is dedicated to promoting and supporting the sport of Skateboarding while striving to guarantee that Skateboarding continues to provide the unique characteristics relevant to the sport’s participants, and maintaining the integrity and authenticity of Skateboarding as a sport, a passion, and a lifestyle. For more information, visit USASkateboarding.net
