World champ Oda Yumeka out as Akama Liz tops stacked women’s street Olympic Qualifier Series prelims

Akama Liz flashed her winning credentials to take first place in the women’s street skateboarding prelim at the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China on Friday (17 May).

Local fans, catching their first glimpse of the women’s street contest action, were all cheers as they watched the Japanese star top qualifying with a commanding 87.14 opening run score.

Akama said after her win: “Finishing top is great but it will make me nervous as I will run at the end in the semi-finals. I’m nervous already! But I will do my best.”

While there was delight for her, and other qualified compatriots Nakayama Funa, Nishiya Momiji, Yoshizawa Coco and Ito Miyu, there was Japanese heartache elsewhere. World champion Oda Yumeka failed to put down a clean run in two attempts and finished outside the cut in 18th place.

Also through to tomorrow’s semi-final are top guns Chloe Covell and Rayssa Leal who punched their tickets in second and sixth place respectively.

There was plenty for the home fans to cheer with four Chinese skaters advancing. Cui Chenxi, 14, led the way for the People’s Republic of China, qualifying in fifth.

The semi-finals of the women’s street contest will take place on Saturday with the final scheduled for Sunday.

All the skateboarding action from the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai is available to stream live on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com the official Olympics app for mobile devices. Territorial restrictions may apply.