Ever since skateboarding made its Olympic debut last summer, there has been a significant rise in the number of new skaters and the return of many who had stepped away from the sport. While compiling this year's 'Ones to Watch in Skateboarding' list, we are focusing on not only emerging talents but also those anticipated to accomplish great achievements in 2022.
Yuto Horigome
Securing the first-ever gold medal in skateboarding is a remarkable feat, yet viewing Yuto's recent clips on Instagram reveals that this Japanese skater is just beginning his journey. Yuto initially skated with the Blind team before transitioning to Shane O'Neill's April skateboards, where he turned professional. Currently, Yuto represents Nike SB, April, Venture, and Spitfire.
Ginwoo Onodera
At just 12 years old, Ginwoo is among the youngest skaters featured in this list. When Braille released their video 'Meet Ginwoo Onodera' in November 2021, it became evident why terms like 'Prodigy' are often associated with him. Ginwoo's innate ability to execute complex lines on the first try showcases a talent that promises to be thrilling to follow as he develops. Ginwoo is currently sponsored by Jart, Bones Bearings & Wheels.
Sakura Yosozumi
Picking up her first skateboard at the age of 11 in 2013 demonstrates true devotion, as she would practice and hone her skills for five hours every weekday after school. After three years, Yosozumi participated in the World Cup Skateboarding Competition, followed by the Vans Park Series and the X Games in 2018, each time enhancing her skills and rankings. Her dedication paid off when she competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, securing a gold medal. Since the Olympics, Yosozumi has been victorious in American tournaments, including the Dew Tour, where she clinched first place in the women's park final.
Rayssa Leal
Another young skater who has already achieved notable success is Rayssa from Brazil. She gained viral fame at the age of 7 when videos of her performing heel flips down staircases while dressed as a fairy captivated both the internet and the skateboarding community. Her participation in professional competitions and the Street League Series led to her qualification for the Olympics, where she became the youngest Olympic medallist in 85 years, earning a silver medal in street.
Poppy Starr Olsen
Originating from Newcastle, Australia, Olsen has made a significant impact by winning the Pro division of the Vans Combi Classic competition, which paved the way for her to become the first Australian female to compete in the Summer X Games. Olsen went on to participate in the X Games in 2017, where she earned bronze in the women's park event, and was part of the Australian Skateboard team, finishing fifth in the women's park event.
Mark Suciu
Named Thrasher’s Skater of the Year in 2021, Suciu made a huge impact by releasing five video parts, each showcasing his creative and technical prowess. Suciu has mentioned that receiving this honor is difficult to articulate, but it essentially serves as approval from the skateboarding community, leaving us eager to see what 2022 holds for him. Suciu has already collaborated with Adidas on 'Spread Light, Leave no trace,' a clothing capsule and book project exploring our future relationship with the environment as it continues to deteriorate.
Ishod Wair
Another past SOTY winner, Ishod Wair, is recognized for his incredible work ethic! Wair consistently releases new video parts and is the only skater competing in both the Street League Series and The Vanspark Series. This frequent 9 Club member is certainly someone to keep an eye on this year.
Lola Tambling
Lola Tambling is kicking off 2022 in a grand way, having recently won the Skateboard GB x Habito National Skateboarding Championships women's park event. Tambling secured second place only the previous year and credits being inspired by skaters like Sky Brown at the Olympics as a major motivation to apply for the games herself. We are eager to see what the rest of the year has in store for her.
Alex Decunha
Coming from Milton Keynes, which the skate community has dubbed the skate capital of the UK, Decunhas has already achieved much in his skateboarding career. With consecutive podium finishes in the Skateboard GB x Habito National Skateboarding Championships Street events and being part of Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics, we are excited to see what 2022 holds for Decunhas.
Roxanna Howlett
Last but certainly not least, we are thrilled to see what this year brings for Roxanna, whom SkateHut has proudly sponsored for the past three years. Roxanna gained attention in 2020 by winning the virtual National Skateboard Championships with an impressive clip shot in her backyard. Since then, Roxanna has secured 1st place in the 2021 Skateboard GB x Habito National Skateboard Championships and recently took third place in 2022. Now that travel is possible, we are eager to see what the remainder of 2022 has to offer.
