First X Games In Japan To Kick Off On Friday
The first X Games ever to be held in Japan will kick off on Friday.
X Games Chiba 2022 will run through Sunday at a stadium in Chiba City, just east of Tokyo. The extreme sports event will feature three disciplines: skateboarding, bicycle motocross, or BMX, and freestyle motocross, or Moto X.
The X Games, originally called the Extreme Games, were launched in the United States in 1995. Over the years, the event developed into the most prestigious international extreme sports competition, being held in 12 countries.
The organizers of X Games Chiba held a news conference on Thursday at the stadium.
Skateboarder Horigome Yuto, who won the gold medal at last year's Tokyo Olympics, said he's excited to take part in his first major competition since the Games.
He said some people who come to see the competition might not have seen skateboarding before. He said he will do his best to thrill the fans.
Nakamura Rim finished fifth in BMX freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics. He said his performance there was disappointing, and that he intends to redeem himself at the X Games.
On Thursday, local elementary and junior high school students were invited to watch skateboarders and Moto X competitors rehearse their dynamic tricks.