Tommy "Tom Cat" Clowers won his third straight X Games Moto X Step Up gold medal by clearing 34 feet on the last of his nine attempts today at the First Union Complex. After almost not competing, Mike "The Godfather" Metzger claimed second, clearing 33 feet in nine attempts. Brian Deegan also cleared 33 feet but needed 11 attempts. With representatives from Guiness World Records in the crowd, Clowers was poised to set the Step Up world record of 35 feet. After missing the first jump of his career on his first attempt at 32 feet, just winning looked to be a more realistic goal. But on the last jump of the night, "Tom Cat" cleared 34 feet to take the competition. "This course was difficult because you go from a dead stop to full throttle in 30 feet," said the 29-year-old from Ramona, Calif. "I thought I did break my record today because this course was harder than the one in I set the record on at X Games VI in San Francisco two years ago."

Metzger, who has only competed in the event once, placing 11th at X Games VI, didn't plan on competing until the other competitors coerced him to enter and he thought of his daughter Michaela who has had such a positive impact on his life. "I took a look at the prize money," said Metzger, "and also saw that all of my friends were competing. That really riled me up. I also competed for Michaela because since I'm a father, I get up early and practice. I focus a lot harder now because of Michaela. Baby needs diapers." The X Games showcases 300 of the world's best action sports athletes competing in a variety of sports events for medals and more than $1 million in total prize money. In its first year as X Games host, Philadelphia drew 235,000 spectators during X Games VII, August 17-22, 2001. ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports will combine to televise more than 20 original hours of X Games VIII coverage August 17 - 22, while ESPN International will distribute the Games worldwide. In addition, EXPN.com, the year-round home for action sports and culture, will offer extensive event coverage, including streaming video from the X Games.