Keegan Palmer Defends Skateboarding Gold at Paris 2024 Olympics

In a thrilling showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Australia’s Keegan Palmer successfully defended his title as the Olympic men’s skateboard park champion. He managed to secure the gold, keeping it away from American favorites Tom Schaar and Tate Carew.

This marked a memorable debut for Augusto Akio from Brazil, who surprised everyone by clinching the bronze medal, while Schaar took home the silver. The competition was fierce, with only a scant 0.20 points separating Akio from the fourth-place finisher, Brazil’s Luigi Cini.

The final was an unexpected rollercoaster, opening with six athletes stumbling on their first runs. Palmer, who went ninth, managed to score a stunning 93.11, crowning him the gold medalist.

Schaar’s journey was equally impressive. His initial run earned him a score of 90.11, but it was his second run — an incredible 92.23 — that truly shone. Fans, including skate legends Tony Hawk and Snoop Dogg, watched in admiration as Schaar executed a series of difficult tricks before narrowly falling short in his final attempt.

Amid the tension, Akio maintained a lighthearted spirit, juggling clubs in the colors of the Brazilian flag even after he moved up to third place in the final stages. “It wasn’t easy, I had to trust in myself,” Akio said, reflecting on the support he received throughout the competition.

Carew had strong moments as well. His second run boasted stylish moves, earning him a solid 91.17, but it wasn’t enough to crack the podium, finishing fifth. With only one run left, both Carew and Schaar needed to dig deep to surpass Palmer’s lead.

As the final run unfolded, Schaar only needed a remarkable performance to dethrone Palmer. However, after a strong start, he fell during his last attempt, resulting in a silver medal and a heartfelt sentiment. “I’m just trying to enjoy every moment right now,” Schaar acknowledged, grateful for his experience.

Palmer, reflecting on the competition, expressed his excitement of sharing the podium with close friends like Schaar, underscoring the camaraderie that exists among skateboarders. “Standing on the podium again with one of my closest friends is a great deal,” he said.

In comparison to the women’s park competition, where the youngest competitor was just 11 years old, this men’s final saw a wider age range. The youngest, Seventeen-year-old Palmer, showed that skateboarding unites athletes of all ages.

While Palmer took home the gold for Australia, Schaar’s achievements enable a hopeful glimpse at future competitions, including the upcoming 2028 Games in Los Angeles. “I’m just hoping I can stick around,” chuckled Schaar, hinting at possibly being an older competitor at that time.