Eric Koston Proved

ERIC KOSTON PROVED it’s better to show up late than never at the 2003 X Games. The star skateboarder attended a friend’s wedding the morning of the street skateboard competition and arrived at the Staples Center in Los Angeles ten minutes after the event was supposed to start.

No problem. Organizers delayed the start time so Koston could compete—and that’s exactly what he did. With no practice time at all, Koston wowed the crowd with his fearless tricks and ended up taking home the gold.

The Staples Center (home of the L.A. Lakers) is normally off-limits to skateboarders, with 24-hour guards enforcing the rules. However, it welcomed the X Games fans and competitors by setting up a two-level course separated by two nine-stair handrails in the middle and cement ledges on either side. Plus, handicap ramps, picnic tables, short boxes, and various obstacles allowed the athletes to show off their skills. The competition allowed each of the ten skaters to make three 75-second runs.

Koston trailed after the first run, but on his second attempt he pulled a switch tailslide to fakie down the rail and threw in a kickflip across the picnic bench for good measure. His second-run score proved high enough for top honors. Rodil Jr. nailed a flawless first run that showcased a backside lipslide and a noseblunt slide on the rail, which was good enough for second. Paul Rodriguez used his technical artistry to claim third.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Professional skateboarders show exceptional balance as they slide across tables and down railings. The risks of slipping are great. One wrong move could end in a gnarly wipeout and a serious road rash.

But slipping on a skateboard isn’t the worst thing that could happen to us. The psalmist warned against sliding away from God. Sometimes we find ourselves in danger of slipping into bad groups, bad language, or bad choices. When we begin to slide, the heavenly Father offers to help us find solid footing in his Word.

GOAL! Slide across a wood or vinyl floor in your socks. Be careful; it’s easy to slip. Praise God for helping you find a foothold when you slip in life.