And let’s hear it for Andy McDonald, 51, who also did Team GB proud in the sport.
But skateboarding has had plenty of highlights closer to home. Have a look at these Sunderland Echo archive scenes spanning 30 years from 1977 onwards.
2. Time for tricks
Showing off some tricks with friends watching in Fawcett Street in 1977. | se
3. Looking back at Lermans
Sales assistant Martin Senior was pictured with a selection of skateboards outside Lermans in Holmeside in October 1977. | se
4. Flashback to 1977
Skateboarding on the old Town Hall site in Fawcett Street in October 1977. | se
1 / 3