36 skateboarders, BMXers with ties to Woodward to compete at Paris Olympics

Paris Olympics will showcase Wodward athletes. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

PARK CITY, Utah — A total of 36 athletes with ties to various Woodward locations will be competing at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in Skateboarding and BMX. Among these elite athletes from around the world, 23 have trained at Woodward facilities within the past year alone.

Many locals have made the connection between Park City’s legacy venues, which serve as Olympic training sites for current athletes, most of them competing in winter sports, but the opening of Park City’s Woodward location in December of 2019 has expanded the local offering of world-class training facilities for elite athletes and local youth for both summer and winter sports. Perhaps most importantly, Woodward provides youth an easy entry point to sports including skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and BMX biking.

Other Woodward locations are in Australia, California, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado, Utah and the original venue in Pennsylvania.

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The full list of athletes is below.

“Woodward has always been at the forefront of progression in action sports,” said Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson, President of Woodward in a statement. “We are thrilled to see so many of the athletes who have trained at Woodward qualifying for the Paris Olympics. It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the world-class training facilities and support provided by Woodward.”

The Woodward athletes set to compete in Paris span across various disciplines in skateboarding and BMX. Notable qualifiers include Jagger Eaton, bronze medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and former Woodward camper, and Perris Benegas, former Visiting Pro who’s coached by Woodward Signature Athlete and BMX Advisor Ryan Nyquist.

“Woodward played a crucial role in my development as an athlete,” said Cocona Hiraki in the statement, she’s the silver medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics who trained at Woodward PA for three weeks prior to winning silver. “The facilities and community at Woodward are unmatched, and I’m grateful for the support they’ve provided throughout my journey to the Olympics.”

Ryan Nyquist, a titan in the BMX world and a coach for the U.S. BMX team, highlights the critical role Woodward PA plays in preparing athletes for competition, “Woodward provides an unparalleled combination of world-class facilities and a motivating environment. It’s where athletes can focus intensely on their training and gain the confidence needed for Olympic competition. The blend of top-tier equipment, diverse training spaces, and enriching atmosphere forms the backbone of a successful training regimen.”

Woodward’s impact extends beyond elite athletes, as the facilities also cater to individuals just starting out in action sports. With a wide range of programs and offerings, Woodward continues to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes and enthusiasts.

“From first-time campers to Olympic medalists, Woodward is committed to providing the best possible experience for anyone passionate about action sports,” Gunnarson said. “We can’t wait to cheer on all the Woodward athletes in Paris and witness their incredible achievements on the global stage.”

The full list of Paris 2024 Olympic athletes with ties to Woodward:

Men Skateboard Street. Olympic Finals on July 27, 2024