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Tokyo Olympics: Japanese 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya wins gold in skateboarding street final

  • Nishiya becomes world’s second youngest individual Olympic champion and first female Games skateboarding gold medallist
  • ‘I wasn’t too worried about getting a medal. It was like, it’d be nice if I can get one,’ she says

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Momiji Nishiya of Japan reacts during the women’s street skateboarding event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Photo: Reuters
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The 13-year-old skateboarder Momiji Nishiya became Japan’s youngest Olympic champion with victory in the Tokyo 2020 street final on Monday.

World silver medallist Nishiya ensured it was a Japanese sweep in the competition, after compatriot Yuto Horigome, 22, won the men’s category on Sunday.

Thirteen-year-old Japanese skateboarder Momiji Nishiya with her gold medal. Photo: Kyodo
Thirteen-year-old Japanese skateboarder Momiji Nishiya with her gold medal. Photo: Kyodo

Nishiya, who turns 14 on August 30, is the second youngest individual gold medallist at the Olympics, behind Marjorie Gestring, of the United States. The driver won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games at the age of 13 years and 268 days.

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Japan’s first skateboarding Olympic gold inspires young riders

Japan’s first skateboarding Olympic gold inspires young riders

Osaka-born Nishiya scored 15.26 points, racking up some big scores in the “best trick” section of the event at the Koto Ward street venue to make history as the world’s first female Olympic skateboarding champion.

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