Ibuki Matsumoto Wins WST World Cup Kitakyushu Street 2025

Thirteen-Year-Old Matsumoto Ibuki Claims World Skateboarding Tour Title in Dramatic Fashion

A rising star in the world of competitive skateboarding, thirteen-year-old Matsumoto ibuki, secured her first World Skateboarding Tour title on Sunday, November 30th, at the World Cup Kitakyushu Street 2025 in Japan. The young athlete’s victory came down to her final trick, showcasing remarkable composure under pressure.

Matsumoto’s triumph further solidifies Japan’s dominance in the sport. She edged out fellow Japanese skater Oda Yumeka by a mere 0.22 points,finishing with a total score of 160.51 to Oda’s 160.29. The win was particularly extraordinary considering Matsumoto needed a score of 87.04 on her third and final attempt to overtake the leader, a challenge she met with a score of 87.25 to the delight of the home crowd.

Did you know? – Street skateboarding debuted as an Olympic sport at the 2020 Tokyo Games,showcasing the growing global appeal of the discipline. Japan won three of the four inaugural medals.

Covell Grabs Bronze Despite Illness

Australia’s Chloe Covell demonstrated resilience, securing the bronze medal with a score of 155.60 despite arriving in Japan feeling unwell. Covell delivered the highest single trick score of the day, achieving a 90.07. This performance follows her World Cup victory in Rome earlier in June, highlighting her consistent skill on the international stage.

Pro tip: – Consistent practice of fundamental tricks is crucial for building a solid foundation in street skateboarding. Focus on mastering the basics before attempting more complex maneuvers.

A Prodigy Emerges from Kyushu

Matsumoto, a native of Kumamoto Prefecture in the Kyushu region, faced intense competition from Oda, who had previously set the bar high with an 89.22 on her second trick – a challenging flip front feeble. However, Matsumoto’s consistent performance throughout the week ultimately proved decisive.

“She had been coming on really strong. I thought she was out of control,” a competitor remarked, acknowledging Matsumoto’s impressive form. “I think it’s amazing how she found a way to win the championship in her home contest.”

Reader question: – What do you think is the biggest challenge for young skateboarders trying to compete at the professional level? share your thoughts!

Olympic Silver Medalist Falls Short

Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist Akama Liz finished fifth with a score of 148.46, struggling to land her signature tricks and deliver the consistent runs needed to contend for a medal. Her performance underscores the increasing competitiveness within the sport and the challenges of maintaining peak form.

Matsumoto’s victory marks the arrival of a new force in street skateboarding, signaling a bright future for the young athlete and further elevating the profile of the sport in Japan.

Here’s a breakdown of the answers to your questions, integrated into a substantive news report:

Why: The World Skateboarding Tour title was contested at the World Cup Kitakyushu Street 2025 in Japan.The competition was fierce, with several top skaters vying for the championship.

Who: Thirteen-year-old Matsumoto Ibuki of Japan won the title, defeating Oda Yumeka (japan) and Chloe Covell (Australia). akama Liz, an Olympic silver medalist, finished fifth.

What: Matsumoto Ibuki secured her first World Skateboarding Tour title, finishing with a total score of 160.51. Covell took bronze with 155.60, and Oda Yumeka finished second with 160.29.

How did it end?: The competition came down to Matsumoto’s final trick. Needing 87.04 to overtake Oda, she landed a trick scoring 87.