Jeff Stockwell claims AIL Street gold at KIA X Games Asia
America’s professional skateboard rider Jeff Stockwell came up with a superb run in the Final of Aggressive In-Line Street that went down at Shanghai, China, on Sunday, April 29, to walk away with the Kia X Games Asia gold medal.
Japan’s Soichiro Kanashima was nothing short of impressive during the battle for a medal and eventually got to take home silver. Thailand’s Worapoj Boonnim finished in third place to round out the podium.
Stockwell has been establishing himself is one of the most intimidating riders in AIL street competitions. The last few years have seen him give the best riders a real run for their money and had managed to claim silver medals in his previous two appearances
at KIA X Games Asia.
Coming back to Shanghai this year, the American sensation was determined to go all the way instead of falling short of the highest spot on the podium.
Pitted against the best riders from around the globe, Stockwell adjusted exceptionally well to the course, making the most technical of tricks look like a piece of cake through perfect execution. His smooth and stylish riding left both the crowd and judges
breathless. The superb effort by the American rider eventually convinced the judges that his runs were indeed the most spectacular of the afternoon. Earning a combined total of 88.00 points, Stockwell walked away with top honours.
“I feel great! This is the first time I have won a contest in a long time, but I have been skating every day and it really paid off today,” said an ecstatic Stockwell during his post-Final interview.
Kanashima was nothing short of impressive during his runs in the Final either. The Japanese rider showcased his skills and innovation while stringing together a series of mind-boggling tricks to trigger loud cheers in the stands.
Finishing with two-run total of 86.33 points, Kanashima managed to get hold of runner-up place to walk away with the silver medal.
Boonnim secured a place on the podium as well after scoring an 84.67 off his best-two runs, thus becoming the first Asian to collect a medal at the latest edition of KIA X Games Asia.
Tags: