The world of motocross, rally cars, skateboarding and BMX are taking over Los Angeles, CA during ESPN’s Summer X Games. The event running June 28 through July 1 will highlight 200 of the world’s best athletes.
The Summer X Games are the Olympic version of “big flips, turns and wheelies.” If you’ve never witnessed a Summer X Game event you’ve been missing out on some high octance stunts — Tony Hawk’s 900, the first bicycle double front flip from Anthony Napolitan, and a double back flip from Travis Pastrana in freestyle motocross.
These are the names of Summer X Games legends but this installment ESPN is showcasing new talent from up-and-comers in the industry. The X Games have invited the youngest professional athlete in the event’s history to this years games with 11-year-old skateboarder Jagger Eaton.
Eaton will be taking on the monolithic MegaRamp during the Skateboard Big Air contest. According to ESPN, Jagger said he isn’t afraid to try a few tricks out on the big stage. “I got the invite from X Games like two days ago,” Eaton told ESPN. “It made me feel amazing. I just want to go out there and have fun. I feel ready to go. I’ll try a few tricks.”
Another young talent partaking in X Games is 11-year-old Trey Wood. The skateboarding phenom told ESPN he is practicing his Tony Hawk 900s in preparation. The SoCal SkateShop team stated: “I’m trying to dial in 900s right now. I have the rotation and everything but haven’t pulled one yet.” Trey will be going for “Big Air” in hopes of a gold medal come June.
The fusion of youth at the X Games will add a new dynamic to the summer event.
Skateboarding competitions at the X Games include six divisions: Big Air, Street Women’s, Street Men’s, Vert Men’s, Vert Women’s, and the Vert Best Trick. Vert Trick is where the top skateboarders often debut jaw dropping new tricks and stunts.
According to ESPN, the Big Air event that Eaton and Wood will be participating in includes a 60 to 80 foot roll-in with a gap 50 or 70 feet long, ending in a 27 foot quarter pipe. Scores are judged based on style, creativity, difficulty, and amplitude. Big Air competitions are untimed while the Vert competitions include 45-second runs.
ESPN stated that the 2011 Summer X Games had over 37 million people tuned in worldwide. The 2011 X Games from Los Angeles was broadcasted to 192 countries and 232 million homes nationally.
The events will be held in downtown Los Angeles’ L.A. Live venues and event spaces. For a full listing of events scheduled visit the official X Games website.
Tickets for the June 28-July 1 X Games in Los Angeles, CA were released to the public on May 24.
