Tokyo Gold Medalist Faces Early Exit in Olympic Qualifier Drama
Tokyo 2020 skateboarding gold medalist Yuto Horigome shocked fans Thursday at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai, ranking 17th in men’s street skateboarding – just one spot shy of advancing. 🌏 \"I’ll work harder to secure my Paris spot,\" vowed the 25-year-old Japanese star, as compatriot Netsuke Kairi soared to first place with 90.41 points.
Climbing Contenders & Skateboard Surprises
In men’s sport climbing, Spain’s reigning Olympic champ Alberto Gines Lopez placed third in bouldering, while South Korea’s Lee Dohyun dominated with 84.9 points. China’s Pan Yufei tied for 15th, eyeing Friday’s semi-final cutoff.
Women’s skateboarding saw Japan’s Kokona Hiraki (83.66) land a stellar second run, while Chinese climber Luo Zhilu battled a cold to finish fifth. 🧗♀️ \"I’ll bounce back stronger,\" Luo promised after struggling on her first route.
Heartbreak for Hoefler, Hope for Hiraki
Tokyo silver medalist Kelvin Hoefler (Brazil) also crashed out early with 68.44 points, while Chinese skateboarder Zheng Haohao narrowly missed the top 16. With semi-finals looming, athletes are gearing up for Friday’s high-stakes clashes!
