Ready or not, skateboarding takes its show to the Olympics Over 20 years after its wintertime cousin, snowboarding, reluctantly took to the biggest stage in sports, skateboarding is grinding its way into the Olympics. Author: Associated Press Updated: 2:08 PM EDT May 23, 2021 The hotel door opens and, fast as that, the sound of polyurethane clicking across concrete begins. The rhythmic grrrr-chk-chk-grrrr-chk-chk-grrrr-chk-chk sound of wheels scooting over cracks in the sidewalk is a telltale sign that something is different in Des Moines. Skateboarders have taken over Middle America this week. It's a dress rehearsal for this summer, when they'll bring their show to the rest of the world at the Olympics.