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 Danilo do Rosario |
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 Wagner Ramos flipped his way into second place. |
Ordem e Progresso:
Brazilian skater Danilo do Rosario Tops LG Skate Street Prelims
By Colin Bane
Break out your Portuguese phrase books: Brazilian skateboarders are preparing to storm the podium at the street skateboarding Finals on Sunday at the LG Action Sports Championships. Of the ten skaters who made the cut, five are flying the gold and green Auriverde flag, including 1st place finisher Danilo do Rosario and 2nd place finisher Wagner Ramos.
The motto printed on every Brazilian flag - Ordem e Progresso - is a fine summary of the ordered way Brazilian skateboarders have stormed the international skateboard scene in the last decade by pushing progression forward in the streets with casual, flowing style and wildly technical tricks. Other Brazilians in the top-ten mix headed for Finals include Tulio de Oliveira (4th place), last year's LG champ Rodolfo Ramos (6th place), and Carlos de Andrade (10th place).
"I'm very happy - I enjoyed skating today. I don't know how else to describe how I feel right now and how it feels to be here with all my friends," said do Rosario, speaking through interpreter Wolnei Santos, another Brazilian skate expatriate who now lives and skates in the U.S. "Everybody who made it to the Finals is skating very good this weekend and I'm looking forward to the contest to see what everybody brings to it."
To sweep the podium, the Brazilians will need to blow past Greg Lutzka, a formidable opponent who has been having one hell of a year on the contest circuit and finished in 3rd at the LG Prelims on Saturday. They'll also be up against Dayne Brummet (5th), Mike Peterson (7th), Rodney Jones (8th), and Kyle Berard (9th).
Do Rosario says he feels incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to be skating in international contests and representing at the LG Action Sports Championships. He also says he'd encourage American skaters to make the reverse trip.
"There aren't as many great street spots in Brazil as there are here, but there are some great skateparks, lots of great skateboarders, and lots of parties - the best parties in the world - with lots of girls. Lots and lots of girls. You have to see it to believe it."
