Skateboarding first gold medallist. A Japanese gold medallist on home soil. And when you're talking home soil in this case, you really mean it.

"I am so happy, because this is my home town. Actually, my house is like 20 minutes from here," Horigome said.

"I was born here in Koto City, and I'm just so happy to win the gold medal here. This is the most memorable competition for me unlike any other. I want to show the medal to everybody who has supported me and my family."

But his family couldn't be there for Horigome's golden moment. Fans have been kept out of Olympic venues as the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

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"It was my first time skating without the crowd, but I still got nervous like always," Horigome said.

"But the Games were in my hometown, so I felt having the crowd would have been nice. But there is nothing to do about it."

Skateboarding has been included in the Olympic Games program for the first time with Horigome emerging victorious in the men's street division.

It may not propel him to stardom at home. For that, Horigome has another country in mind.

Because this 22-year-old wants to stay true to the roots of the sport.

"I don't think skateboarding is well recognised yet in Japan. I want to tell many people how fun it is from now," Horigome said.

"Skateboarding at the Olympics is different, because people who have never watched skateboarding are also watching the Games. It is broadcast on TV too, so it is a magnificent event.

"My dream is to buy a bigger house in America. Skateboarding is not just about the Olympics or competitions. I skate in the streets and I want to be recognised in America."

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