The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a global event shrouded in unprecedented circumstances, became a unique experience for those who managed to attend. Our anonymous “Olympic insider,” a member of a national delegation, was granted rare, full access to the skateboarding events. What follows is an exclusive look into the first-ever skateboarding Olympics, revealing the behind-the-scenes details rarely seen by the public.
Stepping off the plane was like entering a different world. The airport, eerily empty, was filled with individuals in lab coats guiding you through a maze of checkpoints. Every move was monitored, even restroom breaks were designated for foreigners, creating a scene straight out of a horror movie. The sheer number of tests and approvals required was staggering.
While navigating the airport delays, an array of unfamiliar snacks provided a welcomed distraction. A mix of gummies and chocolates, it was a guessing game that was made even more entertaining after 24 hours of travel and a few drinks.
The mandatory Tokyo 2020 car service was surprisingly comfortable. The drivers had stylish gloves, the cars offered strong WiFi, and the TVs played highlights of Yuto Horigome, who would become a national hero after the Olympics. It was clear that all eyes were on him throughout the event.
The accommodations were a stark contrast to what the athletes experienced. While they were sleeping on cardboard beds in the Olympic Village, I was greeted with champagne and a level of service that was both luxurious and somewhat awkward, reminiscent of a scene from an adult film.
The Street course itself was massive, perhaps too spread out. Skaters seemed to be running out of time before completing their final tricks, likely due to the increased distance between obstacles. The scale of everything felt imposing, and while it may not have been evident on TV, the A-frame rail was notably long and challenging.
The humidity caused unexpected issues with the rails. The paint, applied the day before, reacted poorly to the weather conditions, causing the wax to be less effective. This resulted in more bails than usual as skater’s boards had trouble gripping the surface.
Unlike typical events, access to food and drinks was strictly limited. Even skaters in the Olympic Village were restricted on alcohol consumption, needing coach’s approval for more than a couple of beers. This made celebrations after the hard work that was put in, subdued.
A common observation was that Nyjah Huston might not perform as well on outdoor courses. His domination of indoor contests contrasted with his performance in outdoor events. It’s a theory that is up for debate among skateboarding fans.
COVID testing was a frequent and unavoidable part of the experience, requiring six tests in three days. The process of spitting into a tube was something I became very accustomed to.
The uniforms were diverse, with some countries standing out more than others. Jake Ilardi’s USA uniform, designed by Parra, was distinctive, but the French uniform, with its modern skate style, was arguably the best. The Olympics presented a chance for countries to express themselves through their team’s attire.
Surprisingly, the music played during the event included artists like Bad Brains and Mobb Deep, a stark contrast to the strict atmosphere of the Olympics. This nod to skate culture was a victory for the community, which fought to keep the heart of skateboarding intact.
The Japanese team, particularly Yuto and his coach, displayed a highly calculated approach. After every trick, Yuto consulted his coach, who kept track of his moves and planned the next strategy. This “Moneyball” approach, not visible on TV, demonstrated the strategic depth of the competition. It was also rumored that Yuto skated at Pulaski just a few weeks before the Olympics.
The medal ceremony was a highly anticipated moment, despite the lack of crowds. The amount of press was enormous, putting immense pressure on athletes like Nyjah. The world watched, anticipating his success.
Even with his fame, Tony Hawk remained a true skate nerd. He was more interested in skating around and observing, rather than being a commentator, always staying in areas where he could avoid the crowds eager for a photo.
Japanese portions were notably smaller, requiring multiple requests for more food at breakfast. The chefs, used to smaller servings, were clearly surprised by the request of a “big dude” needing more early morning protein.
On my last morning, I managed to sneak out of the hotel for a quick excursion. Despite the polite security guards, I was able to explore a bit, searching for a toy store for my kid but ending up in a sex district. I missed the chance to see the more unconventional side of Tokyo.
My last night ended with a rare treat: fugu, or poisonous blowfish. Inspired by a Simpsons episode, I ordered it to my room. The experience was memorable, with a unique deep-fried, buttery taste that I would highly recommend.
The Tokyo Olympics, especially the skateboarding events, were a unique and unforgettable experience, offering a blend of strict protocols, cultural nuances, and the raw energy of skateboarding, all seen from a unique, insider’s perspective.
