Ones to watch in 2022: Skateboarder Edition
Since Skateboarding debuted at the Olympics last summer there has been a massive influx of new skaters and older skaters returning back to the sport. So writing this year's Ones to watch in Skateboarding list we are looking at not just fresh faces but names that are expected to achieve big things in 2022.
Yuto Horigome
Being the first ever gold medal winner in Skateboarding is a massive achievement but checking out Yuto’s latest clips on instagram shows that the Japanese skater is only just getting started. Initially Yuto skated as part of the blind team before moving to Shane O'neill's April skateboards and turned pro. Currently Yuto rides for Nike SB, April, Venture and Spitfire.
Ginwoo Onodera
At only 12 years old Ginwoo is one of the younger skaters on this list. When Braille released their clip ‘Meet Ginwoo Onodera’ back in November 2021 it was clear to see why words like ‘Prodigy’ get thrown around. Ginwoo’s raw ability to put challenging lines down on the first attempt shows a talent that will be exciting to watch as he progresses. Currently Ginwoo is sponsored by Jart, Bones Bearings & Wheels.
Sakura Yosozumi
Having picked up her first skateboard at the age of 11 back in 2013 is the definition of dedication as she would train and refine her skating skills for five hours each weekday after school. After three years Yosozumi competed in the World Cup Skateboarding Competition followed by competing in the Vans Park Series and the X Games in 2018, each time improving her abilities and ranking. All the hard work paid off when Yosozumi competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics winning gold. Since the Olympics Yosozumi is currently taking wins in American tournaments including the Dew Tour where she took first place in the women’s park final.
Rayssa Leal
Another young skater on the list who has still managed to make some major achievements already Rayssa from Brazil went viral at the age of 7 when videos of her heel flipping down stair sets dressed as a fairy were met with widespread acclaim by the internet and the skateboarding community. Having entered into professional competitions and skating in the Street League Series lead to her qualifying for the olympics and becoming the youngest Olympic medallist for 85 years taking silver in street.
Poppy Starr Olsen
Hailing from Newcastle, Australia, Olsen has made a strong name for herself by winning the Pro division of the Vans Combi Classic competition which lead to her being the first Australian Female to compete in the Summer X Games. Olsen later competed in the X Games in 2017 taking bronze in women’s park and was part of the Australian Skateboard team placing fifth in the women’s park event.
Mark Suciu
named as Thrasher’s Skater of the year in 2021, Suciu absolutely smashed it by putting out five video parts each one being a full on showcase for his creative and technical ability. Suciu has said that receiving the honour is hard to talk about but is essentially a green light from skateboarding so we cannot wait to see what 2022 holds for him. Already Suciu has worked with Adidas on Spread Light, Leave no trace which is a clothing capsule and book project that examines what our relationship with the world will look like as the environment continues to change for the worse.
Ishod Wair
Another former SOTY winner Ishod Wair is known for having an amazing work ethic! Wair will regularly drop new video parts alongside being the only skater in both the street league series and The Vanspark series. This regular 9 club member is definitely one to watch this year.
Lola Tambling
Lola Tambling is already starting 2022 with a bang having recently won the Skateboard Gb x Habito National skateboarding championships women’s park event. Tambling placed second only the year before and credits seeing skaters like Sky Brown at the Olympics as a massive inspiration to apply for the games herself. We cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds for them.
Alex Decunha
Hailing from Milton Keynes which has earned the title from the skate community as the skate capital of the UK, Decunhas has achieved alot in his skate career already. With back to back podium performances in the Skateboard Gb x Habito National skateboarding championships Street events along with being part of team GB’s Skateboard team at the tokyo Olympics we cannot wait to see what 2022 has instore for Decunhas.
Roxanna Howlett
Last but by no means least we are excited to see what this year has instore for Roxanna whom SkateHut has had the pleasure of sponsoring for the past three years. Roxanna made headlines back in 2020 by winning the virtual National Skateboard Championships with an amazing clip filmed in her back garden. Since then Roxana has taken 1st place in 2021 in the Skateboard GB x Habito National Skateboard Championships and just recently took third place in 2022. Now travelling is allowed we cannot wait to see what the rest of 2022 has to offer.
