Australia's biggest 'dude' Keegan Palmer, 18, absolutely NAILS the first-ever GOLD medal in park skateboarding to make our Tokyo performance the equal BEST EVER at an Olympic Games
- Keegan Palmer nailed his final run to win gold in the men's skateboard final
- Queensland teen, 18, blitzed the field in amazing scenes at the skate bowl
- Australia has equalled its best ever gold medal haul at an Olympics, 17 to date
- Find out the latest Tokyo Olympic news including schedule, medal table and results right here
Gold Coast teenager Keegan Palmer nailed his final run to snare gold in the Olympic men's skateboard final on Thursday.
Palmer, 18, came into the final ranked fifth but quickly shot to the front, delivering an impressive first run score of 94.04 which left him as the skater to beat.
His competitors were unable to match his class in the bowl, with Palmer's final run delivering an even better final score of 95.83.
Palmer's gold medal triumph equals Australia's best ever return at an Olympic Games, with 17 to date.
Aussie teen Keegan Palmer (pictured) has snared a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics - in men's skateboarding
Gold Coast teenager Keegan Palmer with his gold medal after winning the final of the men's skateboard in Tokyo on Thursday
Palmer's final run delivered a final score of 95.83, which his rivals couldn't reel in, leaving the Gold Coast teenager an Olympic champion
It was also the debut of skateboarding as a sport at the Olympics, ensuring Palmer has forever etched himself into sporting history as the men's inaugural winner.
An emotional Palmer was mobbed by his fellow athletes at the skate park after his exploits in the final.
After he secured the win, Palmer clasped his hands over his mouth as the enormity of what he had just achieved began to sink in.
'It's an absolute honour,' Palmer told NBC.
'I've been training for so long. I've been working my ass off for a long time.'
Share this article
Australian teammate Kieran Woolley said it was 'sick' Palmer had delivered on the world stage.
'We are in a pretty strict lockdown but we might sink a few beers,' he said. 'I am so honoured to even call him my mate.'
Woolley went onto describe Palmer as a formidable competitor who 'took it to the next level' when he had to.
'It is legendary - Australia's first Olympic skateboarding gold. What a beast,' he added.
'He's a super cool dude. We've been pushing each other and skating better and better.'
While watching his gold medal presentation, one commentator described Keegan, who turned pro at just 14, as 'such a dude'.
Keegan Palmer outclassed his rivals on the big stage - and was visibly shocked (pictured) after his epic win in the men's skateboarding
Gold Coast teen Keegan Palmer blitzed the field to win gold in the men's skateboard final
Moments before Keegan Palmer won gold, fellow Aussies Thomas Green and Jean van der Westhuyzen also snared gold in the K2 1000m final
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
