First X Games In Japan Start
The first X Games in Japan have kicked off in Chiba City, neighboring Tokyo. Japanese athletes showed off their skills on Friday.
Athletes are competing in 10 events in skateboarding, bicycle motocross, or BMX, and freestyle motocross, or Moto X, at Zozo Marine Stadium for three days from Friday.
In the women's skateboard park competition qualifiers, 13-year-old Hiraki Kokona earned the top position and advanced to the finals. The silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics pulled off two flawless runs, using the grind technique -- sliding on the board's axles -- in her first run.
Olympic gold medalist Yosozumi Sakura performed an excellent trick using the edge of the course in her first run. She finished second in the qualifiers.
In the women's skateboard street qualifiers, Japan's Oda Yumeka came in first and Olympic bronze medalist Nakayama Funa was second, allowing them to compete in the finals. In street competitions, skateboarders perform tricks on a course equipped with objects such as stairs and handrails.
In the BMX park qualifiers, Nakamura Rim finished at the top.
Many spectators gathered at the venue. A woman in her 20s said she has watched the X Games online, and had long waited for them to be held in Japan.
The finals of women's skateboard park and BMX park will be held on Saturday.