- Viewers criticize skateboarding competitions at the Olympics
- Concerns raised over absence of helmets
An event at the 2024 Paris Games has faced significant backlash from Australian viewers, who expressed disbelief over how skateboarding became an Olympic sport, criticizing the overall quality of the performances.
The skateboarding competitions, which were introduced at the 2020 Olympics, drew heavy criticism on Monday night (AEST).
Australian Shane O’Neill, 34, unfortunately exited the men’s Street Skateboarding event in last place, which dashed his hopes for a medal.
For many viewers, this was their first encounter with the sport, leaving many baffled.
‘I’ve just invested half an hour watching skateboarding at the #OlympicGames,’ tweeted one viewer.
‘Out of roughly 35 participants attempting tricks, 32 ended up falling. They could’ve held this competition in a Coles car park and seen better performances.’
‘What on earth am I witnessing?’
Fans criticized the skateboarding events at the Paris Olympic Games after watching Australia’s Shane O’Neill (pictured) miss out on a medal on Monday night.
Many fans questioned how skateboarding was included as an Olympic event due to frustrations over the low standard of competition.
A lot of viewers shared similar sentiments.
‘I felt the same way. It lacked excitement, just a bunch of guys hanging around in a parking lot attempting a few tricks,’ remarked one user on X.
‘Exactly! That’s why it shouldn’t be an Olympic event,’ commented another.
‘Sadly, it’s a dreadful addition to the Olympic lineup,’ said yet another viewer.
‘Absolutely! Local 10-year-olds at the skatepark land more tricks,’ another commented.
Some viewers also expressed their concern about the absence of helmets during the skateboarding events.
One frustrated viewer shared: ‘I was outraged seeing the young girls without helmets last night, especially the Aussie girl who didn’t even secure hers properly! How is safety gear not mandatory? Kids at home might see the Aussie girl fall and think, ‘I hit my f***ing head.’
That viewer was referring to Chloe Covell, 14, who faced some tough moments during her runs at the street event on Monday.
Interestingly, the rules state that helmets are only required for athletes under 18 in the Street Skateboarding events.
However, all competitors in ‘park’ events must wear helmets.
Despite the criticism, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban remained impressed with the performances while watching 14-year-old Chloe Covell compete at the Olympics on Sunday.
The couple was accompanied by their daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 13, for the thrilling event.
Concerns were raised by fans regarding skaters not wearing helmets or securing them properly, noting that rules mandate helmets for competitors under 18 like Chloe Covell (pictured).
As proud Australians, Keith and Nicole were caught up in the excitement, occasionally leaping from their seats to cheer for the local skateboarding contender.
Covell participated in the Women’s Street Final but was heartbroken to finish outside the medal placements.
The 14-year-old concluded the medal round on Sunday at the Concorde skate park in central Paris, shedding tears after several falls.
