Turning right out of the park skateboarding arena, located on the historic Place de la Concorde, over an hour after the final’s crescendo had come and gone, the view was immediately striking.

Hundreds of people had gathered just outside the exit by the stands, penned back by temporarily erected metal barriers to keep them from forming an uncontained mass. Eyes darted around as fans looked to see what was causing the latest movement. An eagerness hummed in the air. They were waiting to catch a glimpse of the newest Olympic stars. Read More