Breaking Barriers: Women's Knuckle Huck Competition to Debut at the X Games in 2024

The X Games, known for pushing the boundaries of extreme sports, is set to make history with the introduction of women's ski and snowboard Knuckle Huck events at X Games Aspen 2024. This groundbreaking move comes after years of advocacy by female athletes like Taylor Lundquist, who emphasizes the importance of representation in progressing the sport and inspiring future generations.

Skier Taylor Lundquist, one of the first wave of invited female skiers in Knuckle Huck, expressed her enthusiasm for this monumental shift. "This is a massive move for X Games; it has been a long time coming," Lundquist emphasized. "For years, women have been pushing the limits of the sport beyond belief. Making a women’s category is a no-brainer; it’s crucial because we need representation to progress the sport and help dreamers dream."

The inaugural women's ski Knuckle Huck event will feature an impressive lineup of talented athletes, including Taylor Lundquist, Olivia Asselin (the 2022 women’s ski big air bronze medalist), and Rell Harwood, who will be making her X Games debut. In the women’s snowboard Knuckle Huck, the invited athletes include X Games rookie Ylfa Rundarsdottir, Annika Morgan (three-time eighth place finisher in X Games snowboard slopestyle), and Mia Brookes (sixth place in snowboard slopestyle last year).

Women skiers and riders are gaining increased support from sponsors, both in the backcountry and on the streets. Streetstyle snowboarder Grace Warner, for instance, signed with Burton and Red Bull in 2022. Taylor Lundquist, a member of the Dakine ski team, earned the title of Female Skier of the Year in 2019 and 2020 for her exceptional performances in Jyosei and Strictly’s Welcome and Bermuda films.

Not all skiers and snowboarders choose to participate in the competition circuit, opting instead to focus on filming video parts. However, the X Games recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for women in both realms. The Real Ski series, part of the X Games, invites riders to submit video segments for judging. Lundquist, the first woman invited to submit a part in 2021, highlights the need for separate categories. "A female being invited to Real Ski was a step in the right direction, but women need a separate category," Lundquist emphasized. "There needs to be more space for women in action sports, and I will continue to fight for that."

The inclusion of women's Knuckle Huck events in the X Games marks a significant milestone in the world of extreme sports. As these pioneering women take to the slopes, they not only showcase their incredible skills but also pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in action sports. With advocates like Taylor Lundquist leading the charge, the X Games continues to evolve, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women to shine in the exhilarating world of extreme sports.