11-year-old skateboarder and fifth-grader Ema Kawakami (sponsored by Sakai Cycle) has officially been certified for a Guinness World Records™ title: “Youngest X Games medalist (male).” The milestone comes after his bronze medal victory in the Men’s Skateboard Vert event at “X Games Salt Lake City 2025” in Utah, USA, on June 28 (local time), achieved at the age of 10 years and 293 days.
During the high-stakes finals, concern rippled through the venue when Kawakami took a heavy impact to his head during his opening run. Overcoming the scare, he bounced back fiercely in his second run, landing a series of high-difficulty tricks, including his signature “900” (two-and-a-half mid-air rotations), to lock in a massive score. He then captivated the crowd in his third run with an unprecedented combination, cleanly landing two consecutive 900s followed immediately by a 720 (two rotations). This historic performance earned him the bronze, making him the youngest male medalist in X Games history. Having already secured three records last year, Kawakami is now a four-time Guinness World Records™ title holder.
Reflecting on his fourth world record, a delighted Kawakami shared: “I’m so happy to receive another Guinness World Records title this year. Being able to win an X Games medal as the youngest competitor makes me feel like all my hard practice truly paid off.” Looking ahead, he playfully added, “On the flip side, I want to keep going and win an X Games medal as the oldest competitor to break that Guinness World Record too.”
With momentum fully on his side, the action sports world both in Japan and abroad is watching the 11-year-old prodigy with high anticipation. His latest achievement will be featured in the Japanese edition of “Guinness World Records 2026,” scheduled for release on November 20.
Ema Kawakami’s 4 Guinness World Records™ Titles:
Most backside 540 skateboard tricks in one minute May 22, 2024: 13 times
Most consecutive skateboard ‘900’ in competition (male) June 15, 2024: 3 times
Youngest X Games athlete (male) June 28, 2024: 9 years and 294 days
Youngest X Games medalist (male) June 28, 2025 (Local time): 10 years and 293 days