We cannot wait as skateboarding will make its Olympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Games. Although skateboarding has been one of American counterculture staple for at least 60 years and there have been competitions internationally, this will be the first Olympics for the sport. One of the people who made it all possible was the legendary Tony Hawk who will also serve as one of the NBC Olympics correspondents for the Tokyo Games.
One of the skaters to watch will be San Diego local, Bryce Wettstein (17). She found the love of skating when she was 5 at the YMCA Encinitas and is the 2019 USA National Champion & 2021 Podium for Women’s Park. She has been on Team USA from 2019-2021 and recently qualified for Park in Tokyo Olympics in the summer of 2021. Some of her stats include placing seventh at the International Skateboarding Open of Park in July 2019 for the best finish among U.S. women’s skateboarders. Her dream was to compete in the Olympics and now she gets to check that off her list.
Historically at the Olympics, athletes trade pins with athletes from other countries. This year, Team USA Skateboarding will be trading Tech Deck, which are skateboards that you can use with your hands. Tech Deck is one of the official sponsors/partners for Team USA. Tech Decks will also be handed out to the fans that can attend in Tokyo. Viewers can watch the Olympians do stunts and then try them on a Tech Deck and not have to worry about getting hurt.
We caught up with our friend Steve James, a professional street skateboarder and Franchise Creative Manager for Tech Deck. He shared about what it means to have skateboarding on the Olympic level and how Tech Deck is making skateboarding accessible to everyone. James has been skateboarding for over 30 years and also is a graphic artist. He designs skateboarding graphics and is in the Toy and Animation industry. In 1998, he started Finesse Products and has continued to perfect his skill and has worked in the skate industry utilizing his graphic design talent while building his own brand. Since then, Finesse skateboards have been sold world wide, online and in retail stores. James reminisced that when he first moved to San Diego, the Ecke YMCA was the first place that he skated. So what better spot to talk about the inauguration of Skateboarding Olympics then where James started skating in San Diego?!
One of the things that we appreciate about James is that he is constantly using his platform to give back to the community. He is the founder of the Rock Church Skate Group which works with local youth to give them a positive outlet to learn and grow in their skate abilities as well as their faith. Whether it is a student in need of a skateboard or a Christmas event in need of toys, James often uses his platform with Tech Deck and Finesse to give back to the community too.
LOOK LIKE A CHAMPION AS YOU CHEER ON TEAM USA
After waiting an extra year to cheer on our favorite Olympians, everyone is ready to go for the gold. Opening Ceremonies are here with all the competition to follow. We know you’ll be cheering for local favorites and getting decked out from head to toe, so Family Entourage shares some fun ways for your family to get in the Olympic Spirit!
Since spectators won’t be allowed to travel to Japan, all eyes will be watching Team USA online or through their television as they take on the world. Whether it’s swimming, gymnastics, track or skateboarding making its debut, sport your red, white and blue for the Americans.
In support of the Tokyo Games, Macy’s has launched an Olympic store that will run until August 8th to help your family with patriotic gear and accessories.
We love the Olympic collection from Polo Ralph Lauren at Macys. From Team USA Mesh Pullovers to ECOFAST Pure Team USA Jersey T-Shirts, Team USA Stretch Mesh Polo Shirt, to Team USA Twill Ball Caps and all the other patriotic selections, you are sure to find a favorite.
Plus what’s so cool is that royalties from the Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection sales go to the United States Olympic Committee. Unlike most Olympic and Paralympic Teams, American athletes are not supported by federal funding and our heroes have triumphantly made it through the last year with resilience, a dream, and help from all of us.
From emulating looks, like the outfits worn during the opening ceremonies to just sporting red, white and blue like the perfect puma patriotic sneakers to jean twirl jumpers and athletic champion gear we found everything we needed at Macy’s!
Don’t worry if you have to work through the Olympic Games, you can still showcase your love for Team USA… with your socks! We love socks by Stance for their creativity and comfort. They have turned socks into one of the world’s most exciting accessories so of course they want to help you rock your red, white and blue. They have fun flag socks, stars and stripes, americana and more.
Plus from Captain America and Marvel favorites to Star Wars and sports teams, you can honor our Olympic heroes while wearing your favorite heroes — and many come in our country’s color schemes. With no spectators, we know we’ll be watching from our couch and now our entire family can be cozy in our colorful socks to cheer on the athletes. Another fun aspect, family matching!
Whether you’re decked out head-to-toe, or just “toe” — you can’t go wrong making a statement with Stance on your feet.
