Keegan Palmer

Nicknamed Australia’s ‘skateboard king,’ Palmer successfully defended his Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games, winning the skateboarding men’s park competition with a score of 93.11.

The 21-year-old is the first back-to-back champion and the only champion in the event, which was introduced to the Olympic program in Tokyo 2020.

Coming into the Paris Games having won the Olympic Qualifier Series Final in Budapest, the goofy-footed park skateboarder secured the best qualifying score and delivered an outstanding opening run in the final that couldn’t be matched.

The result was even more impressive considering Palmer spent extensive months off the skate circuit across 2023 and 2024 after suffering a torn meniscus and fracture to his kneecap.

The San Diego-based skater returned to the Gold Coast to rehab with the Queensland Academy of Sport and committed to countless hours ensuring he was the most prepared he could be.

Palmer’s hard work and dedication paid off in spades, showcasing never-before-seen tricks such as the kickflip body varial 540, that continue to inspire the skateboarding community.