This event is the reason why i love watching X-games on ESPN...it was the most exhilarating and exciting event...all the boarders and watchers were having the best time, everything was light and fun...

Philadelphia, Pa. - Despite the intermittent rain, the first day of the ESPN X Games' return to the East Coast proved to be a success. A total of 9,900 spectators saw exciting competitions at Woodward Camp, Falls Road and City Hall Plaza. 

With four Philadelphia representatives, the skateboard street competition at City Hall Plaza was a hometown favorite, with more than 6,500 fans on site. 

Kerry Getz took over the competition with a first run of 92 and held on to it throughout the competition. Eric Koston of Los Angeles, Ca. and Chris Senn of Grass Valley, Ca., silver and bronze medal winners, respectively, also made their mark in the first round. Getz's third run sealed the victory with two outstanding tricks: 180 half cab noseslide and a kickflip to backside lipslide.

 “I’m really stoked on today’s competition.  It was the best contest I’ve been in: real street skating.” Said gold medal winner Getz. 

“This is a great day in Philadelphia skateboarding history.”

In a follow-up skateboard jam session, Rick McCrank of Vancouver, B.C. captured first place by putting on a show that stunned the crowd.  The competition allowed the skating field 10 minutes to use each of the three obstacles on the street course.  Getz and Koston won their second medals of the days, taking silver and bronze respectively.

ERIC KOSTON

Born: Bangkok, Thailand

Height: 6 ft 0 in
Weight: 160 lbs.

Birthdate: April 29, 1975

Occupation: Co-owner of Four Star Clothing Company

Marital Status: Single

Years Skating: 13
Hometown: Hollywood, CA

In skateboarding it`s allways ups and downs, and sometimes you have a good year, Eric Koston had a good year in 2000. He won the Monster Mastership World Championship in Germany. He also won some prices in the X- games and Gravity Games. A part in the award winning ès movie, Menikmati, didn`t hurt. In April 2001 he was awarded with the highest prices of them all:
Skateboarder of the year.

Eric had another epic year in 2002. After X Games VII he won the Gravity Games and placed second at the Vans Triple Crown Finals. He started off 2002 with a win at Tampa Pro in March and a second place at Slam City Jam. He also received Skateboarder of the Year at The ESPN Action Sports and Music Awards for the second year in a row and finished it off with a three-peat win at Gravity Games '02.

Quote:
"I never thought I would be making the money I do and traveling like I do because of skateboarding. It all just happened."