Biography
Anthony Frank Hawk is an American professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and the owner of skateboard company Birdhouse. He is widely considered the most influential skateboarder of all time.
Early Start
Tony received his first skateboard at age 9 and was sponsored by age 12. By 14, he was a professional skateboarder. By 16, he was considered the best in the world.
Challenges Overcome
Tony was a hyperactive child with behavioral issues until he found skateboarding. In the early 1990s, skateboarding's popularity crashed, and Tony nearly went bankrupt before the sport's revival.
Key Achievements
- First person to land a 900 (2.5 aerial rotations)
- Won 73 medals at X Games
- Created the bestselling "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" video game series
- Founded the Tony Hawk Foundation for skateparks
- Inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame
Why They Inspire Us
Tony channeled his hyperactivity into skateboarding and became the greatest ever. He stayed with the sport through its low points and helped bring it to the Olympics.
"I won't quit skating until I am physically unable."