Cole Keeps Gold In Skateboard Street Men’s Final

Win Marks Cole’s Third Straight Medal In Event, Second Consecutive Win

LOS ANGELES – Chris Cole, the reigning champ in the Skateboard Street Men’s event, turned in a superb performance – which included 96.75-worthy third run, the highest single score of the day – to once again come home with the gold over stiff competition from Greg Lutzka.

Representing Levittown, PA, Cole was all but flawless today at ESPN X Games 13. He wowed spectators at The Home Depot Center with two early runs of 93.50 and 92.75, then turned up the heat as, going into his third run and slightly trailing Lutzka, he stuck a kick flip back lick (on the rail) and a grapefruit grind (on the flat bar) to score an eye-popping 96.75.

“These guys are so good – I was worried all the way to the very end,” Cole said. “Each year this competition gets better. Last year the course was great, and this year it was even better. The tricks just presented themselves.”

Lutzka landed a flip switch 270° in zone two to net a 96.25 on his second run and put serious heat on the reigning champ. Afterwards Lutzka remarked, “Today I was trying to throw down tricks I’ve never done before. I was really stoked to land the flip switch.” He added, “I am totally cool with second place.”

Jereme Rogers took the bronze, and 17-year-old skating phenom Ryan Sheckler landed in fourth with an 87.16.