Karl Stefanovic says skateboarding shouldn’t be at the Olympics – hours before Hayley Wilson’s event

‘There’s no way that’s an Olympic sport’: Karl Stefanovic says skateboarding shouldn’t be at the Tokyo Games – as Hayley Wilson prepares to represent Australia


Hayley Wilson is set to represent Australia in the women’s street skateboarding event at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday.

But Karl Stefanovic has thrown shade at the sport while hosting Today, just hours before the Victorian teen was set to make history in the inaugural event.

‘There’s no way that’s an Olympic sport!’ the anchor exclaimed to co-host Ally Langdon after she voiced her support for the event.

Laughing it up: Karl Stefanovic has thrown shade at skateboarding while hosting TODAY, just hours before Hayley Wilson was set to make history in the inaugural Olympic event

Karl was initially positive about the event, which is making its Summer Olympics debut this year.

‘I loved the skating yesterday. I watched heaps of it,’ said the 46-year-old TV personality.

He then asked his co-host whether she thought it should be an Olympic sport, to which Ally, 42, answered ‘I do’.

Debut: 'There's no way that's an Olympic sport!' the anchor exclaimed to co-host Ally Langdon after she voiced her support for the event

Debut: ‘There’s no way that’s an Olympic sport!’ the anchor exclaimed to co-host Ally Langdon after she voiced her support for the event

Supporter: He then asked his co-host whether she thought it should be an Olympic sport, to which Ally, 42, answered 'I do'

Supporter: He then asked his co-host whether she thought it should be an Olympic sport, to which Ally, 42, answered ‘I do’

Karl then mocked skateboarding, laughing, ‘Come on… skating!’

He then derisively threw up a ‘Shaka’ hand sign, adding, ‘I’m good with all the skaters out there, but not at the Olympics, people. I mean, come on.’  

In women’s skateboarding, Australia’s world No.6 Wilson is considered an outside medal chance. 

In with a shot: In women's skateboarding, Australia's world No.6 Wilson (pictured this month) is considered an outside medal chance

In with a shot: In women’s skateboarding, Australia’s world No.6 Wilson (pictured this month) is considered an outside medal chance

The 19-year-old is currently the Australian Skateboarding League’s national champion, holding the title for four consecutive years.

She finished second in the Street League Skateboarding Championships in London back in 2019. 

She is set to compete in Heat 4 of the Women’s street event today. 

Top of the sport: The 19-year-old (pictured this month) is currently the Australian Skateboarding League's national champion, holding the title for four consecutive years

Top of the sport: The 19-year-old (pictured this month) is currently the Australian Skateboarding League’s national champion, holding the title for four consecutive years

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