WERE it not for the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Olympic Games would have come to a close in the Japanese capital of Tokyo last Sunday.

Skateboarding was supposed to make its debut in the competition and our retro snaps show just how popular the sport has been in south Essex over the years.

Essex currently boasts 56 skateparks, including in Basildon, Leigh, Rayleigh, Shoebury, Billericay and Canvey.

The Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in the Olympics being pushed back until next year, so that leaves time for some of south Essex’s skateboarding enthusiasts to get their practice in now.

If any youngsters show the same ability as some of the skateboarders in these photographs, south Essex may have a future gold medallist on its hands.

Join us on a trip down memory lane by joining our new We grew up in Essex Facebook group. If you have old photos and stories to share with our readers, simply complete our online form.

Scroll through our retro snaps of skateboarders at our local skateparks below.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Ramping up the fun - Southend-based skateboarders come together to show off their colourful boards in 1987

Braintree and Witham Times:

Confident - skateboarder Ian Noble in November 1977

Braintree and Witham Times:

Flip side - Richard Dove, 15, showcases his ability on his board

Braintree and Witham Times:

Hang time - a youngster takes to the air in Southend

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Braintree and Witham Times:

Tunnel vision - skate buffs hitting the decks in 1988

Braintree and Witham Times:

High ambition - a lad competes in 1992

Braintree and Witham Times:

Showing off - Southend skaters show off their handstand skills

Braintree and Witham Times:

Steady - Alan Hodge, 12, skateboarding in Southend in April 1978

Braintree and Witham Times:

Beaming with delight - Mark Franklin from Southend in 1978

Braintree and Witham Times:

United - a group of skateboarding lads in the 1970s