Andy Macdonald missed the chance to qualify for the men’s skateboarding park final, but he made history as the oldest competitor in Olympic skateboarding with his performances in the preliminary heats on Wednesday afternoon.
At 51 years old, Macdonald stands out not only as the oldest skater in the men’s park event, where the youngest finalist, Keefer Wilson, is just 17, but also represents Team GB, being 35 years older than his teammate, Sky Brown.
Sky Brown secured a bronze for Team GB three years following her remarkable performance in Tokyo during the women’s event, yet Macdonald finished 18th and could not join her in the finals on Wednesday evening.
With skateboarding legend Tony Hawk cheering him on, Macdonald posted a best run score of 77.66; however, he was unable to catch up with the leading eight competitors scoring in the high 80s and 90s.
Macdonald began skateboarding at age 12 and has been a professional for 30 years, having turned pro in 1994.
Andy Macdonald was delighted to make history at the Olympics but failed to reach the finals
The 51-year-old skateboarding veteran pulled off a number of strong runs but could not qualify
Watched on by old friend and skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Macdonald had a best run score of 77.66
Known for his success at the X Games, Macdonald remains the record holder for the most medals in vert skateboarding.
The seasoned skater has also competed alongside Tony Hawk, winning the doubles event six consecutive years.
Hawk expressed his support for Macdonald, stating before Wednesday’s heats, “he is a prime example of how much discipline pays off.”
‘He is, above all, one of the most consistent and disciplined skaters I’ve ever known, and you can always count on him for something amazing.’
Macdonald’s last appearance at the X Games was in 2018, but he clinched his most recent medal—a bronze for Best Trick—at the 2017 Nitro World Games.
Hawk was on hand to offer Macdonald pointers ahead of the start of the preliminary heats
Macdonald lapped up the cheers of the crowd as he poked fun at his advancing years before his first run
Improving with each run completed, Macdonald outqualified an 18 year old to finish 18th
Macdonald switched his international allegiance to Team GB in 2022 after the launch of the sport at the Olympics in 2021
The father of three outqualified Tommy Calvert – who at 13 is younger than Macdonald’s eldest child Hayden
The former X Games champion is 35 years older than Britain’s other skating hopeful Sky Brown
Following the success of skateboarding’s debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Macdonald switched his allegiance to Team GB in 2022, qualifying thanks to his father Roderick, who was born in Luton.
He secured a place on the Olympic team by surpassing both 14-year-old George O’Neill and 13-year-old Tommy Calvert, who are younger than Macdonald’s eldest child, 18-year-old Hayden.
In an interview with Mail Sport before the Games, Macdonald emphasized how skateboarding has significantly contributed to his youthful spirit.
‘I skate alongside teenagers all the time,’ he mentioned. ‘Mentally, I feel very much in tune with them. I behave and dress like a kid.’
Also showing up for the older generation in Paris was South African athlete Dalls Oberholzer
Meanwhile in the women’s event Zheng Haohao broke records as the Games’ youngest athlete
‘It just happens that I’m 51, so when I fall, it takes more time to recover!’ Macdonald commented.
He is not the only veteran in the men’s skateboarding park event, as South African athlete Dallas Oberholzer, at 46, also participated.
Oberholzer ended the day with a best score of 33.83, placing him at the bottom of the standings.
Their presence starkly contrasts with the younger competitors in the women’s event, highlighted by 11-year-old Zheng Haohao, the youngest athlete at the Games.
