In a thrilling display of talent and determination, 14-year-old Cui Chenxi secured China’s best-ever result in Olympic skateboarding by finishing fourth in the women’s street final at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics on Sunday.
Cui achieved a final score of 241.56 points, narrowly missing the podium behind gold medalist Coco Yoshizawa (272.75 points) and silver medalist Liz Akama (265.95 points), both representing Japan. The bronze medal went to Brazil’s Rayssa Leal, who scored 253.37 points.
"The atmosphere is very high at the Olympics, and the Brazilian skater also cheered me on during the competition," Cui said. "I found that there are more seats in the stands, more than I’ve ever seen at any event in the Olympic Qualifier Series."
Reflecting on her performance, Cui added, "I felt I did a good job on my runs. I had a good result in the preliminary heat, and I tried a difficult move on the first run in the final, but didn’t make it. It would be best if I could make it, but fourth place is the best ever result for us already."
The event was marked by intense competition and remarkable displays of skill, particularly from the young athletes. The 14-year-old gold medalist Coco Yoshizawa revealed that her decision to attempt her most challenging trick on the fourth attempt was pivotal to her victory.
"The trick that I performed on the fourth attempt was the highest, the most difficult, and it reversed the scores," Yoshizawa told reporters. "And that made me number one. So I am very grateful that I made it. And after making it, I was not so much happy, but relieved that I made it."
Cui’s historic performance has set a new benchmark for Chinese skateboarding on the Olympic stage, inspiring hope for the future of the sport in China.
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Cui Chenxi achieves best-ever Olympic skateboarding result for China
cgtn.com
