The almost impossible trick of the Bilbao Egoitz Bijueska pilot

2025-03-16 07:26:00

The Rise of a New Generation in Skateboarding

Skateboarding has long been a sport defined by its audacity—by the sheer will of those who are willing to defy gravity and redefine limits. Last month, 14-year-old Egoitz Bijueska from Bilbao accomplished what many once considered impossible, executing the infamous 900 trick that only a select handful of skaters have achieved. By doing so, he not only echoed the legacy of Tony Hawk but also undoubtedly cemented his place in the future of skateboarding.

From Hawk’s 900 to Bijueska’s Breakthrough

Back in 1999, Tony Hawk became the first skateboarder to conquer the 900 during the X Games, a feat that took a decade of hard work and resilience to accomplish. The move itself—a rollercoaster of two-and-a-half mid-air rotations—captivated audiences and inspired generations to come. Fast forward to 2023, and Bijueska, with the proper training and dedication, made the same move a reality, but at half the age.

Revolutionizing Training Techniques

The evolution of skateboarding over the past two decades demonstrates significant advancements in training techniques, facilities, and even mindset. Bijueska’s achievement came after rigorous training at Woodward West in California, a hub renowned for its state-of-the-art skateboarding facilities. In Spain, such infrastructures were lacking, prompting him to seek out better opportunities abroad.

The Need for Infrastructure Expansion

For up-and-coming skaters, access to proper facilities is crucial. Bijueska’s coach, Australian Trevor Ward, highlighted that most skateparks in Spain lack the essential features necessary for advanced tricks like the 900. The absence of a slope or ramp conducive to such high-flying maneuvers presents a significant barrier for aspiring athletes.

Psychological Challenges of High-Stakes Skateboarding

Beyond the physical demands of performing a trick like the 900 lies a profound psychological hurdle. According to Bijueska, the mental aspect is perhaps its greatest challenge. “When you fall from six meters, it’s not just the physical pain, but the fear that creeps in afterward,” he shared. Though falls are an inevitable part of skateboarding, the true test lies in mentally overcoming the fear of future crashes.

Mapping Success Through Incremental Progress

In training for the 900, each attempt was a balancing act of speed, height, and confidence. Bijueska emphasized that before attempting the trick without safety gear, he worked tirelessly on a cushioned surface to build up trust in his own abilities, successfully landing the trick multiple times before the final performance.

The Community’s Role: Support and Exposure

The skater community rallied around Bijueska during his training, validating the often-overlooked aspect of camaraderie that thrives in this sport. Witnessing his success not only inspired local young athletes but also reinforced the notion that achievement in skateboarding is rarely done in isolation.

Events as Catalysts for Growth

With an international competition calendar that includes events in Sweden and Rome, along with aspirations for the World Championship in Washington, Bijueska looks ahead with conviction. Events like these serve not just as competitions, but as melting pots for sharing ideas, techniques, and encouraging dialogue around innovation and progress.

Bridge to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

As skateboarding has gained recognition as an Olympic sport, it also brings with it a unique set of expectations and pressures. Bijueska has set his sights firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But beyond the fateful year, he represents a shift in how young athletes view their paths in sports influenced by serious competitions.

Incorporating Technology in Training

The integration of technology into sports training is taking shape. Customized analytics platforms, motion-capture systems, and advanced video analysis are beginning to sprinkle the framework of skateboarding coaching. Athletes can now pinpoint their weaknesses, enhance their training, and sharpen their mental focus through data-driven insights.

The Future of Competitive Skateboarding

Future competitive events may see a heightened emphasis not just on athletic performance but also on the adaptability of skaters in navigating multi-dimensional arenas, catering to more than just those who can land tricks. Understanding audience engagement and multimedia integration will play a significant role in how competitions evolve.

The Ecosystem Effect: How Bijueska’s Achievement Signifies More

Bijueska’s success encapsulates broader themes within skateboarding and sports in general: resilience, community support, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds. While he has made history, he also serves as a beacon for changes in ideology within the sport.

Inspiration for Future Generations

As kids across America and beyond look to Bijueska as their inspiration, we could be on the brink of a new golden age for skateboarding, characterized by a level of creativity and daring that previous generations could only dream of. This innovation-driven ethos is further fueled by cultural movements that celebrate extreme sports.

Empowering Diversity in Skateboarding

The future of skateboarding promises not just remarkable stunts like the 900 but a reshaping of its community demographics. Skateboarding has historically been an elite subculture, but the emergence of diverse voices and experiences heralds a shift towards an inclusive atmosphere where every skater’s story matters.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead

The road ahead for skaters like Bijueska looks promising. However, with promise comes the responsibility to act as role models and ambassadors for this evolving sport. As the next generation steps up, they should remain cognizant of the legacies they inherit and those they craft for the future. The game is changing, and with it, new standards will emerge.

FAQs About Skateboarding’s Evolution

What is the 900 trick?

The 900 trick consists of two and a half mid-air rotations and is one of the most challenging maneuvers in skateboarding history.

How did Egoitz Bijueska prepare for the 900?

Bijueska trained rigorously for months, practicing on safer surfaces before attempting the trick on traditional ramps, which built his confidence and mastery of the move.

What challenges do young skateboarders face today?

Young skateboarders often encounter challenges such as limited access to quality training facilities, psychological hurdles in overcoming fear, and the pressure of competition.

How is technology influencing skateboarding training?

Technology influences skateboarding training through analytics, video analysis, and innovative training equipment, helping athletes fine-tune their performance and overcome obstacles.

What does the future hold for skateboarding?

The future of skateboarding includes a focus on inclusivity, technological integration, and a sustainable model that empowers young skaters, preparing for both competitions and their own self-expression.

The future of Skateboarding: A New Generation Takes Flight – Expert Insights

Time.news sits down with industry veteran Jasper Thorne to discuss the evolution of skateboarding, the rise of young prodigies, and what it all means for the sport’s future.

Keywords: Skateboarding, 900 trick, Egoitz Bijueska, Tony Hawk, skateboarding training, skateboarding facilities, 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, skateboarding community, skateboarding future.

Time.news Editor: Jasper, thanks for joining us. The buzz around Egoitz bijueska landing the 900 at just 14 is astounding. how meaningful is this achievement historically?

Jasper Thorne: Its monumental. Think about it: Tony Hawk was the first, achieving it after years of dedication [[1]].Bijueska’s accomplishment shows how far skateboarding has come in terms of training and access. It shrinks the timeline for mastering these incredibly difficult maneuvers and makes a statement about what’s possible for the next generation.

Time.news Editor: The article highlights the importance of facilities, mentioning Woodward West in California.How crucial is access to these specialized training grounds for aspiring skaters?

Jasper Thorne: Absolutely essential. It’s not just about having a ramp.These facilities offer specialized surfaces, coaching, and a concentration of talent that fosters rapid progression. Bijueska’s coach correctly pointed out the lack of similar infrastructure is a barrier in places like Spain [Article]. Without proper facilities, the learning curve steepens dramatically.

Time.news Editor: The psychological aspect of skateboarding is frequently enough overlooked. Bijueska mentioned the fear of falling. How do skaters overcome this mental hurdle, especially when attempting tricks like the 900?

Jasper Thorne: That’s a key element that people frequently enough forget. The mental game is huge.Bijueska’s approach – starting on cushioned surfaces and gradually building up to the real thing – is smart. It’s about incremental progress and building confidence. Every skater, from beginner to pro, needs to find strategies to manage fear and trust in their abilities.

Time.news editor: The article also emphasizes the role of the skateboarding community. How supportive is it, and how does that contribute to a skater’s success?

Jasper thorne: The skate community is vital. It’s a network of support, inspiration, and shared knowledge. Seeing someone like Bijueska succeed inspires others and reinforces the idea that progress is possible with hard work and the right encouragement. It’s also about sharing techniques where a strong community facilitates that greatly [Article].

Time.news Editor: With skateboarding now an Olympic sport, like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics [Article], do you think this has changed the pressure on young athletes?

Jasper Thorne: There’s no doubt whatsoever. The Olympics bring a new level of scrutiny and expectation. Though, it’s also presented a fantastic opportunity. Bijueska is setting his sights on 2028, demonstrating how young athletes now view their trajectory in competitive sports. It’s not just about landing tricks; it’s about strategizing a career path.

Time.news Editor: The integration of technology is also mentioned. How are analytics and video analysis tools changing training methods?

Jasper Thorne: Technology offers a competitive edge. Skaters can use motion-capture systems and video analysis to pinpoint weaknesses, track progress, and refine their technique with data-driven insights. This isn’t just about athleticism; it’s about optimizing performance thru smart training.

Time.news Editor: what’s your outlook for the future of skateboarding, especially regarding diversity and inclusivity?

Jasper Thorne: the future looks shining. We’re seeing a shift toward a more inclusive environment where every skater’s story matters [Article]. The sport is no longer as elitist as it once was. We’re getting more diverse voices and experiences emerging which can only enrich the culture of skateboarding and lead to innovation. The emphasis on creativity and self-expression alongside athletic achievement is what will make skateboarding thrive.