Leticia Bufoni announces she won't be competing in the women's street skateboarding contest at Paris 2024
The superstar Brazilian skateboarder said work on other projects meant she was unable to commit to the Olympic qualifying process for Paris 2024, describing the decision as one of the hardest she's ever had to make.
Skateboarding
Star Brazilian skateboarder Leticia Bufoni has officially announced she is removing herself from contention for Paris 2024.
In an interview for Brazilian ESPN, the 30-year-old shared that her passion for other projects she is currently working on has superseded her commitment to compete for a place in the next Olympic Games.
"I would love to go to the next [Olympic Games], but I'm still very focused on my projects," Bufoni told ESPN. "So, if I decide to enter this race, I'll need to put all my projects aside... it's not my time, and I want to stay on those projects."
The Brazilian, who was part of the initial class of skaters who debuted their sport at Tokyo 2020, was notably absent from the first two Olympic qualifying events, where skaters earn points towards their Olympic ranking of skate street for Paris 2024.
Leticia Bufoni: Starting a new chapter in her storied career
At the age of 30 - a birthday she celebrated in April - the skater said how she is entering a new phase in her career which sees her actively involved in bringing her sport to new communities as well as creating content for her personal social media.
"I can do something really cool for skateboarding without being competitive," she explained to ESPN.
Bufoni, who holds the record for most women's X Games gold medals (five) and most overall medals (12), also revealed that the decision was not an easy one to make.
"It was a long process, it didn't happen overnight, it took more than a year for me to make up my mind... It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made in my life," she continued to the Brazilian TV channel. "I'm happy with my decision... I'm very excited about my projects."
Though confirming she won't be competing in Paris, Bufoni assured that it is still her intention to be in the crowd to watch the event unfold at La Place de la Concorde.
"I will be there, but not as a competing athlete... it will be amazing to be on the other side, watching the girls from the sidelines."