looks like it's back in
X Games 14 Re-Instates Vert
ESPN has decided to continue its 13-year tradition of Vert competitions at
this year's X Games. Over the past month, ESPN has engaged in many
conversations with the X Games BMX and Skateboard Vert athletes in an
attempt to transition the Vert discipline into one featuring a skatepark
course design. While many athletes were initially receptive to the idea,
the majority of them have indicated to ESPN that they would prefer to
compete on a halfpipe.
ESPN will also continue its plans to hold SuperPark as a new discipline for
skateboarding and BMX at the X Games while working with the athletes to
better define exactly how the SuperPark course will be designed.
"The X Games has always had a commitment to the athletes and our consistent
communication with them has allowed us to collectively grow this event to
where it is today," said Chris Stiepock, General Manager, X Games. "In this
particular case the communication took many turns but a consensus by the
athletes has emerged that has lead us to reinstate Vert as an X Games
discipline this year. We will continue to work with the athletes to make
the X Games relevant and successful."
Pro Skateboarder and 14-time X Games medalist, Bob Burnquist, said: "I think
it's great that ESPN will continue to have a Vert contest, and I'm looking
forward to working with them to make sure the Vert competition at the X
Games is the best that it can be."
