After a dream debut in Malaysia, Capetonian skateboarder Jean-Marc Johannes reflects on representing South Africa for the first time on the Urban World Series stage and sets his sights on a podium finish in Barcelona.
Cape Town, South Africa (28 April 2026) – Cape Town professional skateboarder Jean-Marc Johannes has described his recent international breakthrough as a “dream come true” after making history in his first appearance in the Urban World Series, where he finished fourth at a major event in Malaysia.
Jean-Marc, South Africa’s first ten-time international skateboarding medalist in the World Series circuit, competed at the DBKU International X Games in Malaysia in partnership with CanRoll Pro 2026. This was a major stop on the global Urban World Series calendar.
For him, stepping into the competition was a moment of both excitement and nerves.
“I was definitely a little bit nervous at first,” he said. “It was my first time in the Urban World Series, and I’ve followed the series for a long time. I’ve seen some of my favourite skateboarders compete there, so being part of it felt like living one of my dreams.”
The event marked the first time South Africa had been represented in the series, making Johannes’ participation even more significant. He went on to secure a strong fourth-place finish in a highly competitive field, immediately placing himself among the sport’s rising international contenders.
“It was definitely a dream come true. I went in, gave it my all, and I’m happy with the result. It motivated me a lot for what’s coming next.”
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That “next” is already in sight! Barcelona in September 2026, where Jean-Marc will return to the Urban World Series stage. He says the Malaysian experience has already played a major role in shaping his preparation.
“It gave me a lot to work from in terms of what to expect and how to compete. There’s a lot of strategy in high-level contests, and I’ve learned how to approach that better now.”
Despite narrowly missing out on a podium finish, he says the experience has been invaluable.
“I reflected a lot on how I performed throughout the whole event, not just the final. What I did right, what I could improve, and how I handled different moments. Everything leads to growth.”
Competing against top international athletes also gave him a deeper perspective on his own level and the global skateboarding scene.
“It shows me that it’s possible to reach that level.”
For young South African skaters watching his journey unfold, his message is that possibility is real.
“You realise what you are capable of, not just in competing, but becoming more than you ever thought you could be.”
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