Skateboarding will be in the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020. Some may not be stoked about it but it is a reality for our "sport". Many of us may stick our heads in the sand until 2020 and find it on the box while channel surfing, but there are large group of people trying to get things right for the athletes - i mean skaters.
Below is a bit of a write up from the launch as well as some other info re 2020.
On the 19 of January the Australian Sports Commission hosted a launch and workshop for skaters, coaches and industry types to look at how the Australian Sports Commission can help skaters reach their Olympic goals/dreams.....
The intention of the day was to bring together identified athletes and key industry stakeholders to provide insight into the Olympic strategy and the role and powers of the S2020C.
To ensure Australian skateboarders are provided with the best opportunity to represent Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympiad an athlete support framework and plan was presented, with opportunity to interact, question and discuss future direction.
Below is a link to how the ABC covered it
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-19/australian-skateboarders-aim-for-2020-olympic-gold/9344418
Workshops
The contribution of all attendees helped provide significant insight into the factors we need to consider when developing any future strategies. Attached is a complete rank order of responses to the focus areas discussed. Some of the key themes to emerge include;
- Work hard to develop a comprehensive trick list through consistent, planned and goal oriented training
- Make time to skate with the best, with a progressive mindset at a variety of parks
- Increase the frequency of local, national and international camps to provide a high quality training environment and the opportunity to build a supportive and identifiable team culture
- Availability and access to suitable, private training facilities
- Clarity around competition pathways and judging criteria
- Funding to assist with any travel to camps, competitions and means to increase skate time
Moving Forward
The key steps over the coming 6-8 week period will involve;
- Formation of the Technical Committee, through expressions of interest
- Utilisation of the information gathered from the workshops to draft an operational strategy
- Integration of all identified athletes into state sporting institutes
- Receipt and communication of key Olympic event information and processes
- Establishment of individual performance plans in collaboration with athlete, coach/manager, technical committee and state institute
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Skate Australia (SA) and the Australian Skateboard Federation (ASF) have recently come together to form the Skateboard 2020 Commission (S2020C) to provide a consolidated high performance plan for Australian skaters ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Comprising;
- Kevin Thompson- Chair Person (CEO NSWIS)
- Chris O'Brien- AIS delegate
- Luke Pellegrini- AOC delegate
- Karen Doyle- SA delegate
- Renton Millar- ASF delegate
The S2020C have recognised the immediate need to recruit a range of skateboard industry professionals to form a technical committee for the provision of skateboard specific feedback and guidance.
Full detailed results of the workshops below.
Focus 1
What does world best look like?
Extensive trick list/technical 13
Focused/mental strength 12
Consistent 10
Growth/progress mindset 9
Physical strength/fitness 8
Skate with best in the world 6
Structured practise/goals 5
Strong internet profile 5
Dedicated 5
Creative 5
Support network 5
Hard working 5
High training volume 4
Private facilities 4
Inspiring 4
Able to travel 3
Passion/obsession 3
Positive 3
Strategic 3
Coaching 2
Determined 2
Confident 2
Disciplined 2
Sponsors 1
Winning culture 1
Attention to detail 1
Freedom to train (no financial stress) 1
Focus 2
What is our performance gap?
Facility (indoor, state/national/overseas) 11
Skate with the best 7
Funding 6
Time (school, sponsors-limit distractions) 6
Competition access (lack of pathway) 4
Travel to US 3
Camps (national/international) 3
Judge feedback 3
Variety parks 3
Individual performance plans 2
Honesty/Transparent feedback 2
Producers 2
Profile 2
Performance management 1
Mentors 1
Productive use of time 1
Consistency 1
Mental preparation 1
Injury management 1
Council input on park design 1