By: William Jones
Moscow, August 24, 2025 — For three days in late August, Moscow became the epicenter of global skateboarding. The Grand Skate Tour 2025 brought athletes from 64 countries to Russia, and while the contests delivered drama and highlight-reel tricks, it was the human stories behind the competition that resonated most.
From South America to Europe, Asia to Oceania, skaters described the Moscow stop as one of the most memorable in their careers — not just for the medals won, but for the hospitality, the atmosphere, and the sense of belonging to something bigger than sport.
Angelo Caro: “I Want to Come Back Already”
Peruvian rider Angelo Caro, silver medalist in the men’s division, was among the loudest voices praising the event:
“I’m happy to have gotten second place and to have skated with my friends. It’s a very well-organized event, and ever since I arrived, they’ve treated us very well — flights, tickets, food, attention. Moscow is a very beautiful city, honestly exceeding my expectations. The people have such good vibes, and that motivated us to skate better and push our limits. I would definitely consider coming back, and I’m already looking forward to the next Grand Skate Tour. Hopefully, it can happen even twice a year.”
For Caro, GST Moscow wasn’t just a contest — it was an experience that deepened his connection with skateboarding’s global community.
Matias Dell Olio: “It’s a Family”
Argentina’s Matias Dell Olio, bronze medalist and Olympic finalist, emphasized the Tour’s unique culture:
“Third place at GST 2025. I’ve been coming here since the first one, and I’m proud to be part of the GST family. I’ve skated at Street League, X Games, World Skate events — but this is different. This is by skaters, for skaters. It’s one of the best events in the world, hands down. Everyone takes care of each other, we learn from one another, and we celebrate together. If you’ve never come, please do in 2026. You might understand why we call it a family.”
His words captured the essence of what makes GST unique: the community spirit that transcends nationalities and competition.
Women’s Voices: Latin America and Australia Shine
The women’s podium also reflected the diversity of skateboarding’s growth. Giovanna Veloz of Ecuador, only 16, spoke with humility after her breakthrough gold:
“Winning here in Moscow is surreal. I was nervous, but the crowd gave me so much energy. Seeing people from different countries supporting each other is inspiring. I feel like I’m part of something historic — for Ecuador, for Latin America, and for women’s skateboarding.”
Australians Chloe Covell and Arisa Trew, who took silver and bronze, both echoed that sentiment, noting how skateboarding has become a bridge across cultures. Covell summed it up simply: “No matter where we come from, we all speak the same language on the board.”
Beyond Competition: Cultural Discovery
For many athletes, GST Moscow was also their first encounter with Russian culture. Skaters explored Red Square, sampled local food, and shared their adventures on social media.
Japanese skater Haruto Tanaka, who placed in the men’s top 10, described it as unforgettable:
“It’s not only about skating. We walked through the city, saw the architecture, and ate Russian dumplings for the first time. The mix of old and new here feels just like skateboarding — tradition meeting innovation.”
Brazilian rider Leticia Moreira, who reached the women’s semifinals, shared a similar impression: “What surprised me most was the warmth of people. Even with language barriers, smiles and high-fives made communication easy.”
Moscow’s Role on the Global Stage
The diversity of athletes highlighted Moscow’s ability to host truly international events. Over the weekend, fans waved flags from Peru, Ecuador, France, Japan, the USA, and more. The atmosphere inside the venue mirrored the Olympic spirit — but with skateboarding’s more relaxed, inclusive vibe.
Ilya Vdovin, President of the Russian Skateboarding Federation, noted:
“The participation of athletes from so many countries shows that skateboarding is bigger than politics. This festival proved that Russia can’t be fully isolated. The world came here, and together we created something unforgettable.”
Photo Courtesy: Ivan Shepilov
The Community Off the Ramp
Off the ramps, international skaters mixed with local youth, signing autographs, teaching tricks, and giving spontaneous lessons. For Moscow kids, it was a chance to learn directly from world-class athletes. For the skaters, it was a reminder of skateboarding’s roots.
“That’s the beauty of GST,” said Caro. “We’re not locked in hotels. We’re with the people, skating in the city, making new friends.”
The informal exchanges became as important as the formal heats, reinforcing the Tour’s identity as a movement rather than a traditional competition.
Looking Ahead
As the Grand Skate Tour continues its global journey, Moscow will be remembered as a milestone. For the athletes, it was proof that skateboarding can thrive anywhere, bridging continents and communities.
“GST is different because it’s built on values,” said Dell Olio. “Respect, unity, creativity. That’s why it grows stronger every year.”
The message was clear: whether in South America, Europe, Asia, or Russia, skateboarding is more than tricks. It’s a way of life — and a bond between people who might never have met otherwise.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Moscow stop of the Grand Skate Tour wasn’t just about who stood on the podium. It was about the stories shared, the connections made, and the reminder that skateboarding, at its core, is a universal language.
From Caro’s excitement to return, to Dell Olio’s vision of a global family, to Veloz’s historic win for Ecuador, the voices of international athletes told the same story: this was more than a contest, it was a celebration of humanity on four wheels.
