US Olympic skating superstar Jagger Eaton on listening to classical jazz while he trains, breaking records at 11 years old - and why NOBODY will be 'on his level' at the Paris Games

Last month, during a sunny day in New York City's East Village, skaters flocked to the famous blacktop at Tompkins Square Park as they so often do. But Eaton's skatepark voyage - and it wasn't his first time at Tompkins - shows a sort of balance that may be considered unique among elite athletes, at least outside of skating. Perhaps it's no wonder then that Eaton's skating straddles two worlds, as he is attempting to qualify for the Olympics in both the park and street categories - something no one has ever done since the sport debuted in the Olympics in Tokyo. Eaton, seen competing here in park, is attempting to qualify for the Olympics in two disciplines Eaton, seen at Ariake Urban Sports Park, earned a bronze medal in street at Tokyo 2020 Park, which Eaton failed to qualify for in 2021 with a broken ankle, sees skaters try to conquer big bowls and bends with an array of high-flying tricks. Eaton routinely skates in a white T-shirt and jeans, as seen here in Shanghai on May 19 Eaton and fellow American Tate Carew pose with their medals after the OQS park final But there are the softer, perhaps more understated influences that color his skating and get his wheels turning as well.