Olympian Jagger Eaton is vying to become thefirst skateboarder on two podiums — street and park — in Paris.
As the first person to win world titles in both events, Eaton is uniquely poised for a chance to make Olympic history this summer. Before then, he will need toshow Paris he has mastered the events' differing skill sets. On Day 1 in the street contest, he will need to land tricks in a course filled with urban obstacles. On Day 12 in the park contest, he will need to skate with variety and speed through a bowl-shaped course.
“The only similarity between park and street is that you’re on a skateboard,” Eaton toldNBC Sports.
Here’s what to know about skateboarder Jagger Eaton ahead of the Paris Olympics.
How old is Jagger Eaton?
Jagger Eaton is 23 years old. He was born on Feb. 21, 2001.
What Olympics has Jagger Eaton skated in?
Jagger Eaton won bronze, while skating with a broken ankle, in men’s street during the Olympic debut of skateboarding in Tokyo. In Paris, he hopes to become the first skateboarder to compete and win medals in both street and park. As of June 2024, he is currentlyranked No. 2 in the world in both disciplines.
“The one thing that Tokyo did for me as a competitor was it gave me a realization of how much pressure I can compete under successfully,” hetold NBC Sports.
Who is Jagger Eaton’s family?
Jagger Eaton comes from along line of elite-level athletes. His father, Geoff, was a gymnast, and his mother, Shelly, was on the U.S. national gymnastics team during the 1980s. His grandfather, Stormy, was a U.S. national gymnastics team coach who founded Desert Devils Gymnastics.
He has four siblings named Jett, Koston, Hendryx and Bowie.Eaton has said his older brother Jett is the reason he is a professional skateboarder.
Was Jagger Eaton on a TV show?
Jagger Eaton was on the Nickelodeon TV show "Jagger Eaton’s Mega Life,"which followed his life as a professional skateboarder.
Does Jagger Eaton have tattoos?
Jagger Eaton has several tattoos. A tattoo on the right side of his chestcommemorates the final note from his late grandfather Doug. The words say,“Jagger: The best to you. Keep doing good things. You are a real good brother and son. I love you, Doug.”
When did Jagger Eaton start skating?
Jagger Eaton started skating at 4 years old. Hereceived his first skateboard as a Christmas gift and began skating nearly every day with his older brother.He was sponsored by the age of nine, then became the youngest athlete to compete at the X Games, breaking Nyjah Huston’s record at that time.
“It was competing mega ramp when I was 11 at the X Games in LA that changed my life forever. Competing with my heroes too, I think that's what any young athlete dreams of. And from that moment on, I always knew that this is what I'm going to do,” he told NBC Olympics.
Jagger Eaton: In his own words
Jagger Eaton on growing up in Mesa, Arizona:
"Growing up in Mesa is kind of everything a kid wants. I think that before I could drive, I spent a lot of time with my family. We had a great house and a ramp in the backyard and in the garage. So, we had a lot of places to skate. And then when I got older, I always was taking my 4Runner out to the desert, and it was a great place to grow up."
Jagger Eaton on meeting Michael Phelps:
"I went up to him and I shook his hand. And when I meet people that I'm so inspired by, I always am just like, ‘Hey, I'm Jagger. I know you probably have no idea who I am, but I'm such a fan.’ And he said, ‘No, I know exactly who you are. What you did in Tokyo was amazing. And anytime you ever need any advice, I'm always here.’ Which really blew my mind."
Jagger Eaton on Paris skate culture:
"I was actually on the tour, and I got injured a stop before in Copenhagen, so I wasn't able to actually skate in Paris, but I went to all the spots, and I had fun with the guys. I got to know them. It was super cool, super vibrant community."
Jagger Eaton on skateboarding at the Olympics:
“The legitimacy of theOlympic Games just boosts skateboarding to a whole other level. It matters. It matters more than anything else. Most of the time, we're competing for an X Games title or a Street League title, but here we're competing for the title of the greatest in the world and an Olympic gold medal.”
Jagger Eaton on his love for skateboarding:
“Skateboarding, for me, has always been about creativity. I don't know another sport that you can do at a young age and immediately start creating something that has never been done or no one will ever do again. Right? Every time I get on my skateboard, every time I do a trick, it will never be done exactly the same, and that type of wonder and imagination as a kid is crucial, and you latch onto it.”
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