Kamloops native fails to qualify for skateboard finals at Tokyo Olympics

Photo: Olympic.ca

It wasn't the way Matt Berger envisioned his participation in skateboard's debut at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The 27-year-old Kamloops native failed to qualify for the final in the men's street event.

The number one ranked skateboarder in the country was seen as a possible medal threat, but a rough start while competing in the third of four qualifying heats did him in.

Berger fell twice on his first of two runs, and again on the same apparatus in the second run, making it imperative he hit high marks on four of his five tricks.

The top four scores of the seven total runs count toward the overall score.

Unfortunately, he failed to hit his first two tricks, putting him out of the competition.

He tried to put on a show for those watching back home on his final three, but again, failed to negotiate his tricks.

Canada's other competitor, Micky Papa also failed to qualify for the final.

This is the first year skateboarding has been included in the Olympic Games.