Share

SA's Johannes makes skateboarding history in China

Cheng Du - SA’s first international gold medalist and Guinness World record skateboarder, Jean-marc Johannes, successfully returned to the FISE World Series podium following the most heated final of his career, this past weekend in Cheng Du, China. 

After finishing first in the Am Street Division qualifying rounds on Saturday, Johannes went on to compete in a grueling final round where he stood in a three-way tie with China’s Qun Xiang Gao and Sun Sunkunkun, after two perfect final runs. By a single point, Johannes proudly walked away with a silver medal, making this his second international medal and SA’s only skater to step onto an international podium.

“This was undoubtedly the highest level of finals I've ever competed under because in almost in every other event I can tell where I stand in the finals. I’m proud to have represented SA as the only African competitor, contests such as FISE gives me the priceless opportunity to compete with the best skateboarders in the world and undoubtedly puts my mind in the right place with the Olympics around the corner!” said Johannes.

As one of only three SA’s skateboarders qualified to compete on the international circuit, Johannes currently ranks among the Top 50 riders in Europe, Top 100 Action Sports Athletes in the world and Top 20 in the World Skateboarding Championships in Kimberley’s PRO Open division.

Similarly, Johannes made skateboarding history when he successfully landed a 3-metre gap between two containers suspended 10 metres in the air and followed this up with becoming the first SA skater to cross the never-skateboarded-before Liesbeek River with three back-to-back tricks.

Next up Johannes will be taking part in the sought after PROJAM International Open in Bali, set for December 2, 2017.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE