It came as no surprise to many that, after a massively successful 2010, Melbourne-born shredder Shane O’Neill was crowned Slam Skater of the Year at an epic party at Globe HQ in Port Melbourne over the weekend.
The humble but freakishly talented skater often referred to as “Nugget” won the prestigious title by being judged the best skater in the country, firstly by thousands in the skateboarding community that voted online, and then also by ranking number one in the all-important top 20 peer poll vote, which ultimately decides the worthy recipient of the Slam Skater of the Year crown. Amidst wild cheers and sprays of celebratory drinks, Shane graciously took the award, a trophy board, an engraved medallion and a $5000 cheque thanks to Red Bull.
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Shane has well and truly raised the bar for his fellow Aussie pro skaters with consistent comp result standings at an international level, massive prize money earnings, groundbreaking skate video releases, huge sponsorship deals and his first-ever magazine cover with the March issue of Slam in 2010. There is no denying that he has had one of the most impressive years on a skateboard, not only for an Australian, but the world-over.
Also awarded on the night was Bugs Fardell as New Gen Skater of the Year – the best of the 12 up-and-coming junior skaters who were profiled in Slam Magazine’s New Gen section in 2010. Definitely one to look out for in the future, Bugs pocketed $500 for his efforts thanks to Red Bull.
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The eighth annual Slam Skater of the Year Awards night also saw the unofficial launch of the 2011 Red Bull Manny Mania Qualifying Series – the second year the event has been brought to Australian soil with an all-expenses-paid trip and spot in the World Finals in New York City in August up for grabs. To promote this contest Red Bull had an interactive street-style Manny Mania pad up on stage, where skaters were invited to build and change the course how they saw fit and then impress all with their balancing skills.
Check out Slam Magazine issue 179 on sale from Wednesday 6th April 2011 for the full low-down on why Shane O’Neill was well deserved of the prestigious Slam Skater of the Year crown as well as loads of other exclusive and highly entertaining skateboarding coverage.
Go to www.slamskatemag.com.au/find to search for your nearest Slam stockist or get a daily fix online or at the Slam Skateboarding Magazine facebook fan page. Many thanks and rounds of applause to the Slam Skater of the Year Awards partners Red Bull and also to the party partners who helped make the night such a success, including Red Bull, Globe, VB, Vodka O and Pioneer DJ.
Want more? Click here to view the web clip from the event and here to view the gallery.
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