Olympic pathway event attracts skateboarders from across the country

MORE than 150 skateboarders from across Australia competed in an Olympic pathway event at Lismore skatepark, marking the first major competition at the venue since it opened last year.

The Rumble on the River event doubled as an official Skate Australia Olympic pathway event and a stop on the Rumble Pro Tour.

The skatepark opened last year as part of a $3.9 million development.

A total prize pool of $20,000 was on offer, split evenly across disciplines and genders from under-12s to open competition.

Olympic hopeful Felicity Turner won the open women’s division after previously running coaching clinics and a demonstration at the venue.

She finished ahead of Byron Bay teenager Ella Ledingham.

“I saw the designs of the park, and I knew how good it was going to be once it was finished,” Turner said.

 

“I was always the only girl at the skatepark, but we have a lot of talent coming through now.”

Brisbane’s Corey Nixon won the open men’s division with Wollongong’s Jack Lewis finishing runner-up.

In the bowl events, Gold Coast’s Coco Crafter secured the women’s title, while Newcastle’s Taj Wolfenden won the men’s division.

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said the facility reflects the city’s investment in sport and community infrastructure.

“Our skatepark is one of the best in Australia and now sits alongside Lismore’s growing suite of sporting facilities,” he said.

“Hosting an Olympic pathway event is a proud achievement for our city and reflects the success of our investment in Lismore’s future.”