When a skater wants to applaud a fellow skater, he/she bumps the nose of their board on the ground. It’s an acknowledgement and appreciation for whoever tries the hardest trick and nails it.
The men’s final for Skateboarding Park at Aspire Zone on Tuesday heard many bumps. A lot of demanding tricks and one man who ran the show — Heimana Reynolds. The current World champion in Park competition was just amazing with his breathtaking tricks. And what’s more? He seemed to be enjoying them himself.
The skater from the United States led the race from semi-final onward, finishing first among 21 entrants.
The skateboard community is slightly different than others. Heimana was skating all day long. As other did. Some tricks, big smiles. Nobody stopped clapping, cheering and hugging their opponents. Opponents in this competition, but truly their brothers in arms when it comes to skateboard. It’s all about the process.
The gold medal from Reynolds was the first for the United States in a men’s competition in Qatar 2019!
Steve Pineiro from Puerto Rico managed to push the world champion until the very edge of the competition. He ended up with the silver medal. And he was really happy with that.
“Skateboarding is my life. I have no words. I am glad I came to Doha. I want to thank my family for the support they showed me,” Piniero said.
The Puerto Rican was explosive during his three tries. And after the first one he was leading, until Heimana pulled some tricks out of his big bag.
“I had to do my best. The crowd was amazing. Skateboarding has taught me everything in my life,” Reynolds quoted while he was wrapped in the flag of the United States of America.
The bronze medal winner was 15-year-old Alessandro Mazzara from Italy.
“I did not expect to win anything. I wanted to skate and have fun. This is amazing,” Mazzara said.
Heimana Reynolds of the US in action during the men’s skateboarding final at Aspire Zone on Day Five of the ANOC World Beach Games on Tuesday. (Laurel Photo Services)
