Ema Kawakami has become the first skateboarder to land three consecutive 900s.
The nine-year-old prodigy from Kobe, Japan, completed three two-and-a-half mid-air revolutions at the 2024 Tony Hawk's Vert Alert, held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Kawakami, who is still a junior school student, set a never-before-seen record in front of the man who first landed the aerial maneuver.
On June 27, 1999, Tony Hawk landed the world's first 900 at the X Games in San Francisco, California, after ten failed attempts.
It seemed nearly impossible at the time, but no one repeated the feat for a while. It's hard even on the "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" video game.
Fast forward 25 years ago, and a nine-year-old grom pulls off three back-to-back 900s in front of The Birdman.
"Ever since he was four years old, Ema has wanted to go to America and skate with the skaters he admired and saw on Instagram and YouTube," Kawakami's parents stated.
"This time, that dream has come true. Thank you for inviting Ema, Tony Hawk."
"He had only completed the back-to-back 900 once before. Three back-to-back 900s were his first challenge, and he had only been successful in the alley-oop 900 once."
"It has been decided that he will be able to participate in the X Games, which was his dream, and he is really looking forward to it. Let's go to Ventura."
What Next?
Ema Kawakami is not a new face in the skateboarding world.
In 2022, the Japanese phenom became the youngest skater to land the same trick - just seven years old.
Kawakami did not win the 2024 Vert Alert. He finished sixth. But he has a bright future ahead. Can you imagine what he will be doing at 18?
In May 2024, Arisa Trew, 14, became the first female skateboarder to land a 900.
Skateboarding is an Olympic sport, but the official sports program includes only the park and street disciplines.
Nevertheless, Hawk is lobbying for vert skating to be added or, at least, showcased as a demonstration sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The skateboarding legend has shipped his personal skate ramp to Salt Lake City for the Vert Alert since 2021.
Hopefully, it will pay off.