Yuto Horigome, 24
Japanese
Table of Contents
Yuto Horigome’s Skateboarding Journey
Yuto Horigome, a 24-year-old professional skateboarder from Japan, achieved a historic milestone in May 2018 when he became the first Japanese athlete to win a Street League Skateboarding event. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Yuto’s journey into skateboarding began at the tender age of seven, deeply inspired by his father, who himself was a seasoned vert skateboarder.
The Rise of Yuto Horigome
Yuto’s journey reached its pinnacle when he secured the coveted title of the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in skateboarding. Horigome’s introduction to skateboarding contests in America commenced when he was just 15 years old. His innate talent for conquering towering rails and daunting gaps quickly captured the attention of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Recognizing the potential for growth in the skateboarding mecca of California, he made the life-altering decision to relocate there permanently in 2016.
Dominating the Skateboarding Scene
Horigome’s rise to prominence continued as he not only claimed the Street League Skateboarding title in May 2018 but also triumphed in two more events later that year. This streak of victories confirmed his status as a true skateboarding sensation, demonstrating that his achievements were not just chance occurrences. In 2019, Yuto Horigome further cemented his position by securing first place in two Olympic qualifying events and finishing a close second in the World Championships, with only Nyjah Huston of America, a three-time defending champion and the reigning world number one, ahead of him.
Yuto Horigome’s Olympic Glory
Right before the highly anticipated 2021 Tokyo Games, Horigome once again defeated Nyjah Huston at the World Championships in Rome, further establishing his reputation as a leading competitor in the skateboarding world. This monumental victory served as a prelude to his historic achievement at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he made history by becoming the sport’s inaugural Olympic gold medalist.
Collaboration with Nike SB
Nike recognized Yuto Horigome’s exceptional talent and approached him with a unique proposition. Together, they created the Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low, featuring a design characterized by a completely neutral palette with a white base, a fitting representation of his minimalist style and incredible skateboarding skills.
Yuto Horigome’s Sponsors
Yuto Horigome is supported by a number of sponsors who have played key roles in his journey:
- Nike SB
- April Skateboards
- Hardies Hardware
- Venture
- Spitfire
- Murasaki
- Rakuten
- Lipovitan
