July / August 2015 InFluential Magazine

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IN F L U E N C E : s p o r t s

the golden age OF

X GAMES W R I T T E N BY B A S N Y D E R | P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U R T E SY O F

O

RUBEN MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY

ne of the most commonly identified downfalls in history came about with the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. It was following the reign of emperors that the civilization fell into a decline, occurring ultimately from ineptitude that transformed into a deterioration of power. Throughout history there have been many cultures that have experienced times of flourishing economic, social and political systems followed by a decline.

Philosophers, historians, writers and poets have chosen to describe this period of established prosperity as ‘The Golden Age,’ and literature defines elements to include stability in culture and national purpose, or even a designated ‘golden race’ of individuals, who embody thriving qualities. Although probably most associated with the rise and fall of civilizations like Rome or Greece, in the the 21st century this metaphor is used to analyze a current or past peak time in several fields.

to have ever competed in every single X Games, is a

“It’s a matter of progressing,” Burnquist says. “It’s not an easy thing to constantly bring new stuff and be consistent.”

competitor that could even be designated as part of a

With a popularity increase in previous years, there are certainly

current ‘Golden Race’ in such a prosperous time of the

some who believe they have started to witness the decline that

extreme sporting age. The epitome of what it takes to be

could follow such a thriving period in the brand of X Games.

the best and keep innovating, Burnquist didn’t hesitate to

There is no doubt the move of X Games to Austin in 2014

put on yet another successful show this year at X Games

was a huge success in regard to event attendance; seeing a

Austin 2015, competing with a fracture in his left forearm

74 percent increase from the previous year and the highest

and still dominating.

attendance recorded since 2004.

In the rising state of a large and well known competition like X Games, athletes such as professional skateboarder Bob Burnquist, hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, have no doubt provided opportunity for a rise in viewership, overall demographic, sponsorship and finances into the brand successfully. Burnquist, one of only three athletes

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