Tony Hawk
“When I finally starting skating, I really liked it because I didn’t have a coach yelling at me or telling me where to go. I didn’t have to show up at a practice at a certain time. It was all about my own motivation and my own challenges.”
Biography
Professional skateboarder Anthony Hawk was born in 1968, in California and is considered one of the most successful and influential people in modern vertical skateboarding. Credited with the invention of many aerial tricks, Hawk is most famous for being the first to land the 900 (two and a half rotations in the air before landing back on the pipe) during the televised June 27, 1999 X Games. He retired from competitive skateboarding shortly afterwards.
During his 17-year career, Hawk competed in over 100 professional skateboarding contests, winning 79 and placing 2nd in 19, by far the best record in the sport’s history.
In 2002, Hawk set up a nonprofit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation, to build skateboard parks in low-income communities. Over a four year period, the foundation donated over $1 million in grants and assistance.
Along with 11 other philanthropic athletes, Hawk founded Athletes for Hope in 2007. The organization connects athletes, individuals and businesses with charitable and community causes.
Career Highlights
| 1982 | Turned pro – aged 14 |
| 1992 | Started Birdhouse Projects (now known as Birdhouse Skateboards) |
| 1998 | Started Hawk Clothing |
| 1999 | First skateboarder to perform 900 degree aerial rotation |
| Released Tony Hawk's Pro Skater video game for PlayStation | |
| 2000 | Published his autobiograpy, Hawk: Occupation: Skateboarder |
| Hawk Clothing acquired by Quiksilver | |
| 2003 | First highly successful Boom HuckJam Tour featuring skateboarding, BMX, and Freestyle Motocross |
| 2006 | Released Tony Hawk's Project 8, Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam and Tony Hawk's American Wasteland |
| 2007 | Six Flags Fiesta, Texas opens skatepark themed roller coaster called Tony Hawk’s Big Spin |
