Sports
Nyjah Huston Prepares for Olympic Redemption in Paris 2024
Before all the fame and titles, before the Olympics and spotlight, there was a love for the streets. For skateboarders like Nyjah Huston, those gritty urban landscapes offer endless opportunities for creativity and expression.
As Huston gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, he reflects on what greatness means to him. Despite his impressive collection of X Games gold medals and world titles, he believes true greatness comes from being a real skateboarder who loves the sport for what it is. “To me, it’s about being in it for the love, spending hours filming video parts, and just donating blood to the streets,” he shares.
Interestingly, Huston finds himself nourished by the streets, yet refined by competition. Contests push him to skate at his best, ensuring he raises his standards consistently. Huston appreciates how the sport has evolved, especially with the addition of Olympic skateboarding. He notes how many skaters are now focusing on fitness and training, a big shift from just a few years ago.
In his journey, Huston faced his first significant injury two years ago, an ACL tear that kept him off the board for months. However, he dedicated himself to rehabilitation and worked hard to come back. Winning his first Olympic qualifier after injury showed him he could return to form, despite losing some confidence.
As he prepares to compete in Paris, he emphasizes a different mindset from Tokyo, where he finished seventh. Huston admits the pressure in Japan was overwhelming, and he aims to approach the upcoming Games with an open mind rather than trying to get revenge or prove something. He knows the competition is fierce, and anything can happen on the day.
Despite past disappointments, Huston’s focus remains on performing well and enjoying his time on the board. He understands that even in an intense sport like skateboarding, every day varies and good days can be unpredictable. Huston wants to arrive at the competition ready, but with a sense of balance and awareness of how the sport has changed.
While his eyes are set on winning gold at the Place de La Concorde, he wants to ensure his journey in skateboarding continues beyond the Olympics. With plenty of years left ahead, he remains excited about what the future holds for his legacy in the world of skateboarding.