It’s been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over. Skateboarding will make its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.
Skateboarding meteoric rise didn’t happen overnight, it rose throughout the years because of the constant grind in the community. Skateboarding went from a sport for misfits to a mainstream phenomenon. The phenomenon was made possible by skateboarding mavericks like Tony Hawk who continued to innovate and evolve the sport.
Hawk is arguably the most influential person in the industry. He contributed revolutionary tricks throughout his 41 years of skateboarding. Pushing the limits by creating various tricks, like the indie 900 which Hawk debuted at the 1999 X-Games.
Hawk has won numerous competitions over the years and by the age of 27, became a breakout star and a pop culture phenomenon. He appeared in video games, TV shows, and merchandise all over the world. His contribution to skateboarding is still felt today, and his company, Birdhouse, is still running.
In this video, Christopher Brooker of PBS talks to Hawk about his legacy, the effects of age, and skateboarding. Hawk, even at age 50, continues to push the limits in skateboarding and refuses to quit. Get schooled on skateboard history from the legend himself.