Famous world-wide as he was John Hutson, he was once invited, together with Bob Skoldberg, to race in Sweden at an indoor race at Mässan in Älvsjö (a large exhibition centre in Stockholm, Sweden). The focus of the exhibit was primarily youth, but also motorcycles, and it attracted 25.000 participants daily (!). After skateboarding debuted there in 1978 it became a well attended regular annual slalom, freestyle and ramp skateboarding event. Indoor skateboarding in the midst of the winter even drew some international participation and Thrasher covered the event in 1981.
So, in 1979 Hutson and Skoldberg came there to show the skills of the best US slalom racers, however, they were up for a challenge, as it was indoors, flat surface, and a wooden floor. If I recall correctly Swedish champions Fabian Björnstjerna and Peter Klock were among those that gave the Americans a tough time.
Medals from the 360 events. Photos by Dino Günther Jörn Willman, posted on Facebook 2025
