| 2002 X Games Return to Philadelphia | |
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Sport
Description:
Park – 20 professional skaters try to accumulate points by maneuvering
over, through and onto obstacles, grinding on ledges and handrails in a course
planned by a world-class designer. Skaters are judged on creativity, amplitude
and their ability to use the entire course.
Street – The 10 best street skaters will compete in a true street competition
of natural terrain. Skaters will grind, ollie onto or over concrete ledges and
benches, jump stairs and gaps and boardslide down handrails. This competition
will be held and is a tribute to the urban roots of the street skating.
Street Best Trick – An open jam format that enables skaters to go for their
most difficult and impressive tricks on three best trick areas without putting a
run together.
Vert – This event has become a cornerstone of the X Games. 20 competitors face
a huge 13’ half pipe constructed of wood, screws, and skatelite and have 45
seconds to put together a run that’s not only judged on amplitude out of the
pipe, but also, by what kind of technical trick the skater can put together
above or on the coping “lip” of the pipe.
Vert Best Trick – An open jam format that enables skaters to try their most
difficult and most spectacular tricks without putting a run together.
Vert Doubles – Skaters pick their own partners and try to create unique lines
together. Runs often include shadowtricks (in unison), over-under airs and
opposite airs. Partners get a greater number of points for teamwork.
Scoring:
Park – All 20 competitors will take two runs with each of the six judges
giving a whole number 100-point scale for two runs. Of the six scores given by
the judges, the highest and lowest scores are dropped and the four scores left
are averaged. The best of two scores is taken to determine the winner.
Street – Each of the 10 skaters makes three 75-second runs with each of the
six judges giving a whole number 100-point scale for two runs. Of the six scores
given by the judges, the highest and lowest scores are dropped and the four
scores left are averaged. The highest point total of the final two runs is
determined the winner.
Street Best Trick – 15-minute jam on three best trick areas where the judges
record their impressions throughout and once the head judge declares the session
is over, skaters select their individual best trick to be considered. Judges
rank skaters in order from 1-10, based on originality, difficulty, style,
height, distance and execution.
Vert – In the preliminary round, each skater gets two runs to prove they are
worthy to move on to the final round. Each of the six judges scores a competitor
on a whole number 100-point scale for two runs. The highest and lowest scores
are dropped and the remaining four scores get averaged. Their best score from
the first and second run is taken. Only the top 10 competitors move on to the
finals. In the finals, each skater gets three runs and competes using the same
format as the preliminary round.
Vert Doubles – Each of the 10 teams of two completes two runs with their
highest score taken as their best score. The top five teams move on to the final
round. In the final round, each of the five teams complete two runs starting
from the lowest score, with the highest scoring team going last. Teams are
judged on originality, difficulty, flow, use of ramp, combination tricks,
interaction of the partners, and amplitude.
Vert Best Trick – 45-minute jam. Judges record their impressions throughout.
When the head judge declares the session over, the judges rank skaters in order
from 1-5, based on originality, difficulty, style, height, and execution.
Equipment:
Board/Deck – Main platform area of a skateboard that is usually made from
7-ply maple laminate.
Protective Gear – All skaters are required to wear a helmet.
Trucks (Axel) – Deck is attached to the trucks, which has wheels on each end.
The trucks are essentially the axels of the skateboard. They are made of polymer
bushings for steering and maneuverability.
Wheels – Necessary part of the board. Each wheel is a unique blend of
Urethane. Wheels come in different sizes, colors and hardness.
Who to Watch:
Brazilian native Carlos de Andrade (currently residing in Long Beach,
Calif.) has attended every X Games since its inception in 1995. He recently won
Park gold and silver at the EXPN Invitational in Texas and Georgia,
respectively. Rune Glifberg (Copenhagen, Denmark) is a skateboard Vert veteran
and is entering his eighth X Games this summer. Rune is known as the biggest
threat in vert skateboarding, with his high amplitude and technical skills that
keep him on the results podium more times than not. Last year, hometown favorite
Kerry Getz (Philadelphia, Penn.) wowed X Games VII fans with a gold in Street
and a silver in the Park competition. Expect more big things from Kerry, who has
the power of the Philly fans behind him.
Host City Logo used with the
permission of www.philadelphiaxgames.org.
Official Press Release of ESPN X Games VIII