Marco De Santi Made History

MARCO DE SANTI MADE HISTORY at the aggressive inline vert finals of the 2003 Gravity Games when he hit a double flat spin and a double backflip in the same run. But this Brazilian star wasn’t finished. He tossed in a couple of 900s and tore off his shirt as he took over the leaderboard with an 89.25.

And although de Santi had a history-making run, he knew his lead wasn’t safe as Eito Yasutoko took to the ramp. Yasutoko has been called “the most feared competitor in the world of inline vert” for good reason. He goes higher, does bigger moves, and pulls tricks that nobody in the world can match.

Yasutoko quickly electrified the crowd with his insane amplitude and speed. After cranking up some momentum soaring 20 feet above the ramp, he threw every trick in the book with style. His double backflip 180 was magnificent. His double flat backflip looked impeccable. And his 1080 California roll left the judges and audience with their jaw on the ground.

At the end of his run, the judges awarded him a 91.75, making him the only competitor to break 90 at the Games.

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POINT What makes Eito Yasutoko such an awesome competitor? Hours of practice? Sure. A no-fear attitude? Yup. But if you asked Yasutoko why he’s so good, he’d give a lot of credit to his brother, Takeshi. Takeshi is also one of the world’s best inline vert skaters. And although he hasn’t risen as high in the rankings as his brother, Takeshi pushes Eito in practice. The brothers love each other, but they also challenge each other to try new things and get better and better. Then at competitions they hang out together and cheer each other on.

The Bible talks about this concept of brothers encouraging each other to improve. The book of Proverbs compares a godly, healthy relationship to two pieces of iron sharpening each other. Get the point?

GOAL! Do you have a brother or sister who can help push you to greatness? If not, maybe a best friend or other family member can keep you accountable. Thank God for people in your life who encourage you to improve.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17, NIV

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