Dallas Oberholzer: The 46-Year Old South African Skater At The Olympics

After the Japanese dominated the street event, it's up in the air as to who will be taking home the medals for the park competition. 40 Olympians are competing to take to the podium, most of them born in the late '90s or early 2000s. South African skater Dallas Oberholzer declared he doesn't expect himself to get near any of them. He explained to The Indian Express, "I'm not going to win. I am not going to get a medal." However, this mindset isn't dampening his spirit, as he went on to explain, "But, like, I am legitimately the best guy in Africa. By default, the best guy in Africa goes to the Olympics." That old saying 'it's the taking part that counts is emphasised here, and what a great mindset to have.

The 46-year-old happens to be the second oldest skater. Rune Glifberg of Denmark is older by just six months. You can see the first heat for the men's park competition on the 5th of August at 9 am (GMT). It'll be a fascinating watch when most of the other contestants are over half the veteran's age. The Olympic profile of the skater is here and gives a brief rundown of his history; alternatively, scroll through his Instagram profile through this. His stories suggest he's making the most out of his time at the Olympic village.

Whatever the results for Oberholzer this week, there's no doubt his nation and family will be proud of him. Skateboarding included in the Olympics is set to inspire youngsters to take up the sport, but in South Africa, Dallas's commitment to the sport since 1985 has the potential to do just that.