SARASOTA (WSNN) – The 2021 Summer Olympics is around the corner, and a skateboarder from Sarasota is punching in his ticket for Japan. But this local skater had some help along the way.
Jake Ilardi is taking is his skateboard from Payne Park in Sarasota to the world stage in Tokyo.
“Being from Osprey, I never thought I would go too far in skating,” Jake Ilardi said.
Now, after going pro last November, Jake is skating his way to the top at the first skateboarding competition of the Olympics.
“Ever since I started skating, I knew I wanted to be a pro skater,” Jake Ilardi said. “I’ve accomplished my dream of becoming a pro. But, I never thought in a million years skateboarding would be in the Olympics.”
This past weekend, he secured his spot in the summer games after finishing 7th at the Street Skateboarding World Championships in Rome. He ranked 2nd overall in the United States.
“It’s more exciting than nervous for sure.”
While this is a solo sport, Jake didn’t make it to the global stage on his own. His twin brother Nate Ilardi, has been with him every step of the way.
“I was always just filming with my brother,” Nate Ilardi said. “I never thought I would pursue and have my camera be my passport to the world.”
While Jake does the tricks, Nate films them.
“He’s come a long way,” Nate Ilardi said. “Just from like a little kid, wearing full pads and helmet gear to now competing on a global scale. I’m very proud of him.”
Nate helped expose his brother by making videos and getting him sponsors. But it’s his support that means the most to Jake.
“It means the world to have him by my side,” Jake Ilardi said. Because we’ve been together since day one and now, we’re both achieving our dreams as we’re going along this path.
“You know a gold medal would be awesome,” Nate Ilardi said. “But with or without a gold medal he’s still an Olympian, I’m mean I’m very proud of him. I’m happy for him.”
