A major sports and music festival will begin Friday in Sacramento as athletes and organizers make final preparations for the X Games at Cal Expo.Aerial footage from LiveCopter 3 on Thursday showed ramps and competition courses already in place for athletes competing in skateboarding, BMX and motocross.Among those preparing was 16-year-old Lily Erickson, a women’s park skateboard competitor, who said fans can expect an exciting weekend.“You’re going to expect some good vibes, some good skating, some gnarly skating, and yeah, it’s gonna be so much fun,” Erickson said.Erickson said her interest in skateboarding began with a Christmas gift and quickly became a passion.“It started when I got my first skateboard for Christmas, and I haven’t stopped since,” she said.She said competing in the X Games is something she has dreamed about for years.“Since I was little, always watching X Games and seeing them be so gnarly and seeing all the good vibes, it’s just so cool,” Erickson said. “I’ve always wanted to do it. So being invited to X Games, like, oh my gosh, it’s such a dream, and I love being here.”Athletes were seen practicing on Thursday, including BMX riders and motocross competitors working through final runs before the event begins.In motocross practice, riders launched off steep ramps, performing flips and spins before landing back on course.Sixteen-time X Games medalist Elliot Sloan said the work behind the scenes is more demanding than it may appear.“There’s a lot that goes into it,” Sloan said. “A lot of these guys make it look super easy.”Sloan said action sports continue to progress as younger athletes bring new energy and talent to the competition.“All these kids are inspiring other kids,” Sloan said. “A lot of these kids don’t even know who some of the older guys are.”Both Sloan and Erickson said newcomers to the sport should focus on enjoying the experience.“Just have fun,” Sloan said.“Just have fun with it. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself,” Erickson said.The X Games will run through the weekend at Cal Expo.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A major sports and music festival will begin Friday in Sacramento as athletes and organizers make final preparations for the X Games at Cal Expo.
Aerial footage from LiveCopter 3 on Thursday showed ramps and competition courses already in place for athletes competing in skateboarding, BMX and motocross.
Among those preparing was 16-year-old Lily Erickson, a women’s park skateboard competitor, who said fans can expect an exciting weekend.
“You’re going to expect some good vibes, some good skating, some gnarly skating, and yeah, it’s gonna be so much fun,” Erickson said.
Erickson said her interest in skateboarding began with a Christmas gift and quickly became a passion.
“It started when I got my first skateboard for Christmas, and I haven’t stopped since,” she said.
She said competing in the X Games is something she has dreamed about for years.
“Since I was little, always watching X Games and seeing them be so gnarly and seeing all the good vibes, it’s just so cool,” Erickson said. “I’ve always wanted to do it. So being invited to X Games, like, oh my gosh, it’s such a dream, and I love being here.”
Athletes were seen practicing on Thursday, including BMX riders and motocross competitors working through final runs before the event begins.
In motocross practice, riders launched off steep ramps, performing flips and spins before landing back on course.
Sixteen-time X Games medalist Elliot Sloan said the work behind the scenes is more demanding than it may appear.
“There’s a lot that goes into it,” Sloan said. “A lot of these guys make it look super easy.”
Sloan said action sports continue to progress as younger athletes bring new energy and talent to the competition.
“All these kids are inspiring other kids,” Sloan said. “A lot of these kids don’t even know who some of the older guys are.”
Both Sloan and Erickson said newcomers to the sport should focus on enjoying the experience.
“Just have fun,” Sloan said.
“Just have fun with it. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself,” Erickson said.
The X Games will run through the weekend at Cal Expo.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel