If you're not already familiar with the world of skateboarding, you may be wondering why the name Nyjah Huston is everywhere. Referred by X Games announcers as "the king of the streets," [1] Huston started skateboarding when he was a young child. Now, he is a legendary street skater with more than a dozen medals.
According to World Skate, "the three highest placed athletes in each of the four World Skate World Championship events (Women's Street / Women's Park / Men's Street / Men's Park) held in 2021 will be directly qualified to participate in the Olympic Games regardless of their placings on the Olympic World Skateboarding Rankings" as of June 30. As a five-time world champion [2] and Dew Tour Olympic Qualifier champion [3], it's no surprise that he's currently ranked as number one in the world. [4] Keep reading for 11 fun facts about Olympic skater Nyjah Huston before he competes in Tokyo.
To learn more about all the Olympic hopefuls, visit TeamUSA.org [5]. The Tokyo Olympics begin July 23 on NBC.
Nyjah Huston Started Skating at a Young Age
He was just two years old [6] when he first stood on a skateboard.
Nyjah Huston Is a Goofy Skater
Huston is a goofy-stance skater, meaning he skates with his right foot at the front of the board, pushing with his left foot. [7] Whereas someone "riding regular" would stand with their left foot at front of the board.
Nyjah Huston Began Competing in 2004
Huston's first competition in street skating was at at the Volcom Damn Am [8] in 2004. Since then he has participated in over 50 competitions globally [9] with his most recent being the Dew Tour Des Moines [10] in 2021.
Nyjah Huston Has His Own Skateboarding Line
After the end of a 19-year relationship with his first skateboarding sponsor Element [11], Huston teased that something new was coming [12]. Turns out it was his own skateboarding line, Disorder [13], which sold out of its first batch of boards in less than three days.
Nyjah Huston Is the Highest Paid Skater
Huston is the highest-paid skater in the industry with a net worth around $12 million [14]. With sponsors including Nike SB, Monster Energy, and others [15] he shows fans how he uses his sponsors products in his daily life. For example, in the video above you can watch how he uses his Nike SB Nyjah Free 2 sneakers as he skates around California.
Nyjah Huston Has Released 2 Sneakers with Nike SB
Huston's had two shoe releases with one of his sponsors Nike SB. In designing his shoes, Huston wanted a shoe that "breaks in fast, lasts a long time," [16] and is comfortable enough for him to wear daily. There are a few pair from his most recent drop here. [17]
Nyjah Huston Has Skated a Lamborghini
On Huston's YouTube channel, you can watch him plan and try out a number of ways to skate a Lamborghini. From examining the vehicle to grabbing the board with his hands and physically mapping his path, we can see how Huston takes his time to prepare before he skates. Watch the video above to see him skate on and over a Lamborghini [18] from several camera and drone angles.
Nyjah Huston and Justin Bieber Have Skated Together at the Skatepark
Huston, Justin Bieber, and friends skated together back in 2019. Check out the video to watch Huston nail several tricks in a row as he glides around the skatepark and Bieber land a kickflip [19].
Nyjah Huston Has His Own Special Edition Custom Laptop with ROG Strix
Republic of Games (ROG) worked with Huston to create a gaming laptop that "melds skateboarding and esports [20]." The package Huston opens contains a custom laptop, mouse, trackpad, and even has a mini skateboard ramp built in.
ESPN Sport Science Nyjah Huston Feature
In 2013, ESPN analysed some of Huston's signature moves. One of the many findings in the video includes measuring the force Huston uses when he does an ollie. He puts nearly twice his body weight in force on the tail of the skateboard. If that was in 2013, I wonder how much force he uses now?
Nyjah Huston USA Olympic Skater - LA Times
Huston told the LA Times that he studies the course "very, very well" to prepare for his runs, along with expressing his excitement to represent Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics. We're just as excited to watch him compete!
