Jean-Marc Johannes’ KARDO Journey Opens New Doors for South African Skateboarding
South African skateboarding is celebrating more than an individual achievement after Jean-Marc Johannes confirmed that his journey with KARDO Street Skateboarding has helped pave the way for the country’s first official qualifier in the international series.
Earlier this week, Johannes revealed on social media that he had received one of only three wildcard invitations to the KARDO Street Skateboarding 2026 Global Finals in Russia, earning direct entry as one of the event’s headline athletes.
For the Cape Town skateboarder, however, this invitation represents something far bigger than another international appearance.
From Podium Finish to Wildcard Selection
Johannes’ relationship with KARDO stretches back to 2023, when he reached the global finals and achieved a historic milestone for South African skateboarding.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity.
It was an honour to have made it to the finals of KARDO in 2023 and making the first South African podium in the global finals was such a memorable moment.”
he told Extreme Sports Action
That breakthrough performance continues to open new doors.
“Being selected as a wildcard has definitely given me a lot of motivation to try to better my previous scores.”
Rather than treating the invitation as recognition for past performances, Johannes sees it as another opportunity to raise the standard.
Athlone Built the Mindset
Throughout his career, Johannes has proudly carried the hashtag #AKidFromAthlone, paying tribute to the Cape Town community that shaped him.
He believes those early experiences continue to influence every contest he enters.
“Growing up in Athlone has undoubtedly impacted my approach to skateboarding and life. The discipline and resilience I’ve learnt growing up in Athlone has filtered into my skating and prepared me for challenging moments.”
That mentality has become one of his greatest strengths, particularly when adapting to new countries and unfamiliar competition environments.
The Biggest Battle Happens in the Mind
Although every international event presents different conditions, Johannes says elite-level skateboarding increasingly becomes a mental challenge rather than a physical one.
“Although in a global final you would be competing on a perfect course, for me personally it has become more mental. Training remains consistent through the time building up to the event, as does the mental preparation.”
Years of experience have taught him that confidence, composure and consistency often make the difference when competing against the world’s best street skateboarders.
A Dream That Benefits Every South African Skateboarder
Perhaps the biggest legacy of Johannes’ KARDO journey isn’t his podium finish or wildcard invitation.
It’s the opportunity he has helped create for future generations.
Following his success in 2023, Johannes began discussions about making South Africa an official stop on the KARDO qualification circuit.
Those conversations have now become reality.
“KARDO is a great opportunity for South African skateboarding to be seen, in addition to the other disciplines of the event.
After making the podium in the KARDO finals in 2023, I began the conversation around South Africa becoming one of the qualifying countries of the KARDO series. Over time my idea progressed and I aligned certain powers that be to explore this idea.”
he explained
The result is a landmark moment for South African action sports.
On 15 August 2026, Kimberley will host the country’s first official KARDO qualifier, featuring skateboarding, DJ and graffiti competitions.
Each category winner will earn the opportunity to represent South Africa at the global finals in Russia.
Previously, local competitors had to rely on digital qualification rounds to earn international opportunities.
“Previously, in South Africa we would need to go through the global digital qualifiers and now we have the opportunity to have our own event. It is a dream come true to see this come to life.”
More Than a Personal Victory
Johannes’ wildcard selection is undoubtedly another major achievement in an already impressive career.
But its greatest impact may lie beyond the medals and rankings.
His success has helped establish a direct international pathway for South African skateboarders, DJs and graffiti artists—creating opportunities that simply didn’t exist a few years ago.
As Johannes prepares to compete once again on one of street skateboarding’s biggest stages in Russia, his legacy is already growing back home.
For South African skateboarding, that’s a victory that extends far beyond one competition.
What a motivating and inspiring article about a promising young athlete. Jean-Marc you are a great role model not only for rising young athletes but also for our young people in SA.