After an incredible debut with street events, skateboarding returns to the Tokyo Olympic stage for park events. The women's competition takes place on Tuesday (3), while the men's will be on Wednesday. Its debut in the Olympics made skateboarding adapt and import characteristics from other sports.
The assembly of teams by the Brazilian Skate Confederation, guided by coaches, physiotherapists, physicians, psychologists and nutritionists, is one of the novelties.
Having a coach discuss what to do on the track is not something most skaters are used to.
“Creating strategies, thinking about maneuvers, understanding competition and judgment, today makes a tremendous difference,” says Edgard Pereira, 39, a technical consultant for the park team.
"Grandpa," as he is known, admits it was difficult for skateboarders to understand their role. “We couldn't impose. I have an opinion on the maneuvers, on the lines, but the final decision is always theirs.”
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon