As temperatures outside of US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis reached the 90 degree mark, inside the stadium, day three of X Games Minneapolis was buzzing with fans eager to witness the best athletes compete for gold in skate, BMX and Moto X. The day’s events included Men’s Skate Big Air, Men’s Skateboard Street, Men’s BMX Park, Women’s Skateboard Park, Moto X Step Up, Moto X Best Whip and Moto X Best Trick.
Kevin Paraza from Arizona, gave quite the show with his performance earning himself his first gold at X Games for BMX Park. Only a few points behind, Logan Martin from Australia took second and Daniel Sandoval took home the bronze. Though Kyle Baldock was a favorite, there were thoughts that the prestigious athlete may have taken on more than he could handle, as he appeared to struggle to stay on his bike throughout his runs.
Elliot Sloan had a much better day as he took on the BMX Big Air event in the finals. Struggling with BMX Vert on Wednesday, Sloan pulled himself together and scored a 94.00 earning the X Games veteran a gold medal and bumping Tom Schaar into second. Right after the competition, a stunned crowd was informed that Hall of Fame X Games athlete Bob Burnquist of Brazil would be retiring from the Games. Though he failed to land his intended runs, the crowd roared with encouragement during each run. Burnquist is the only athlete to have competed in every X Games since 1995, having numerous medals and accolades to cement his legacy as a champion.
In an exciting back and forth between Jarryd McNeil and Bryce Hudson, the competition during Moto X Step Up reached just shy of last year’s record only reaching 44 feet above ground. McNeil blew past the last bar proving that his victory was well deserved and blasted even above the poles supporting the bar.
One of the most highly anticipated events of Day 3 was the Men’s Street Skate Finals. Though there were many big names like Nyjah Huston, Ryan Decenzo, and Ishod Wair; it was up and coming Kelvin Hoefler from Brazil who blew everyone away with his incredible performance. With another unique performance of his own, Minneapolis native Alex Majerus represented his city well in taking silver. Huston struggled in the first run, placing him towards the bottom of the bracket, but was able to recover with a subsequent performance and coming away with bronze.
Back-to back in Women’s park, Brighton Zuener became the youngest athlete to win Gold at only 13 years old. Only two points behind, Jordyn Barratt and Poppy Star completed the podium by taking 2nd and 3rd.
In Moto X Best Whip, fans voted Destin Cantrell to take gold. Levi Sherwood took home his second gold this X Games, nailing a double back flip without hesitation.
Though the events were over, fans quickly ventured back outside to dance and groove to Flume’s sold out performance. Check out the photos!
