Luc Ackermann was successful again at the X Games in California. The X Games, described by many as the Olympic Games of extreme sports, are hosted annually by the American U.S. sports broadcaster ESPN. In 2022, the freestyle motocross competitions were once again held to the exclusion of spectators at Axell Hodges' FMX Park in Ramona, California. A compound that suits Ackermann well, as he won gold here last year.
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The German started his run spectacularly with a Hartattack Indy Backflip. The 360 that followed was hailed by ESPN expert Mike Mason as the "best 360 ever shown at the X Games." After a massive Tsunami Flip, Luc set the first Double Backflip. This was followed by a Cliffhanger 1-Hand-Lander and the Flair (540) over the Quarter Pipe ramp. After a Double Flip Nac Nac he jumped a Clicker Superflip Combo and finished his impressive run with a massive Holygrab. This was also rewarded by the judges, who gave him 91 points and lifted Luc to 2nd place. Only Australian Rob Adelberg was able to finish ahead of Luc with 93.33 points thanks to two front flips. Josh Sheehan (AUS) secured the bronze medal with his tricks.
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Luc then also competed in the Best Trick Contest. Here, each of the extreme athletes showed their hardest trick and had two attempts. After the Thuringian was still behind Taka Higashino in 4th place after the first jump, he pulled off the most massive Double Backflip Nac Nac of his career so far in the second jump. The jury awarded him 87.00 points, which meant that Ackermann was able to overtake the Japanese and take bronze. The reigning FIM Freestyle Motocross World Champion is the first German FMX athlete ever to win medals at the X Games in the freestyle motocross competitions.
"It's absolutely amazing. Just one week after winning the X-Knights in Costa Rica, to win two medals here at the X Games is something I would never have dreamed of. Thanks to everyone who has supported me for years and made this possible," said Luc Ackermann after he was presented with the silver and bronze medals.
