Skateboard World Cup Rome: 13-Year-Old Lin Yi-Chuan Finishes Top 10, Boosts Asian Games Prospects

(Central News Agency reporter Li Chien-Chung, Taipei, May 14) At the Skateboard World Cup Rome held in Italy, 13-year-old Taiwanese skater Lin Yi-Chuan scored a high 81.80 in the quarterfinals, placing third in her group. Unfortunately, she finished 10th overall and did not advance to the final eight. Nevertheless, this marks her first time finishing in the top 10 at a World Cup event, a significant milestone that will benefit her preparation for the Asian Games.

A total of 74 female skaters competed in the Rome World Cup. In the preliminary round, each athlete completed three runs, with the best single score determining advancement. The top 32 skaters moved on, and Lin advanced in 4th place with a score of 81.21.

From the 32 skaters, the top 16 advanced to the semifinals. Lin progressed smoothly with a score of 79.91, placing 9th. The 16 skaters were then divided into two semifinal groups, with the top eight overall advancing to the final.

Lin was the last competitor in her semifinal group. She delivered an almost flawless performance, successfully landing her signature move, the "BS 540 McTwist," earning 81.80 points and finishing 3rd in her group.

However, after the second group completed their runs, Lin’s overall ranking dropped to 10th, narrowly missing a spot in the final eight. Despite this, her top-10 finish at just 13 years old provides valuable experience and confidence ahead of the Nagoya Asian Games.

Lin’s father, Lin Chien-Nan, told the Central News Agency that this was the first Olympic qualifying event for the 2028 Games, featuring top athletes from around the world, making the competition nearly as tough as the Olympics. He praised her improvement from her previous 14th-place finish, calling it a remarkable achievement.

Lin Chien-Nan noted that his daughter had been training in Nagoya, Japan, since April, briefly returning to Taiwan for one week in early May before heading to Italy on May 11 to prepare. "She’s gotten deeply tanned from training so hard—I feel a bit heartbroken as a parent," he said.

He pointed out that park skateboarding events have traditionally been held outdoors, but the Nagoya Asian Games will be indoors, which will be Lin’s biggest challenge in terms of adaptation. "However, I believe this World Cup served as excellent in-competition training, giving her valuable experience and boosting her confidence."

He added with a smile, "Although Yi-Chuan already achieved her personal best at the World Cup, she actually attempted even more difficult tricks and lines in her second and third runs during the quarterfinals, but unfortunately didn’t complete them."

Looking at the semifinal results, the four Asian skaters ranked above Lin were all from Japan. However, the Asian Games allow a maximum of two athletes per country, meaning Lin has a strong chance to secure a medal for Taiwan. (Editor: Wu Su-Jou) 1150614

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