Las Vegas adaptive skateboarder off to the Paris Olympics

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — A Las Vegas man will be taking his skills to the biggest stage in sports, unveiling a new division at the Olympics.

Edward Jeffries, better known as “Skateboard E” in the skateboarding community, was never supposed to walk again after an accident that happened nearly 20 years ago. After five surgeries and years of recovery and practice he jumped back onto his board in a new division: adaptive.

“I’m a disabled skater, it’s not easy to perform the things that we do,” Jeffries explained.

After numerous competitions and even taking first in the world for adaptive skateboarding, he was chosen to go to Paris. He will join Team USA and demonstrate adaptive skateboarding to the world before it becomes official for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

When he first found out he was going, it took him by surprise.

“It’s amazing I cried for three days. I will be showing my style to the world and hopefully in 2028, I can bring home gold.”

He will be carrying the pride of his city with him.

“I’m a UNLV running rebel and my wife also graduated from there. Proud of her. I love Las Vegas.”

As he’s off to fulfill his dreams, he still wants to help others through a non-profit he created called the KickPush Organization . The goal is to help other skateboarders just like him accomplish their dreams.

Now he’s off to ‘ollie’ on his biggest stage yet. Jeffries’ demonstration of adaptive skateboarding is scheduled for July 31, 2024, in Paris.

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