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Published Mar 12, 2020

324: Tony Hawk | How Did I Get Here?

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk delves into the art of personal branding, sharing insights on authenticity, risk, and integrity while reflecting on skateboarding's evolution and his own resilient journey in the sport.
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  • Early Days

    Tony Hawk reflects on the early days of skateboarding, a time when it was an underground activity embraced by outcasts and creative individuals. He recalls picking up skating during its first boom in the '70s, inspired by his older brother and neighborhood friends. Despite the trend fading, Tony found a sense of self-confidence and belonging in the sport, which kept him committed even as others moved on 1. He describes the thrill of seeing people fly out of empty swimming pools, which ignited his passion for the sport 1.

    I wanted to learn how to fly. I mean, I would probably be diagnosed with ADD or something nowadays, but it spoke to my instant excitement, gratification-like.

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    Tony's dedication to skateboarding was fueled by a desire to push through injuries and challenges, a mindset that separated him from those who gave up after setbacks 2.

       

    Innovations

    The evolution of skateboarding has been marked by significant innovations in tricks and equipment. Tony Hawk reminisces about the days when skateboards were not ambidextrous, making modern tricks like the Switch McTwist unimaginable in the '80s 3. He continues to innovate with technical and low-impact tricks, allowing him to skate creatively without risking severe injuries 4.

    I've kind of learned to refine my style to much more technical and low-impact type of tricks, and that has allowed me to continue doing it at my age.

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    Tony's commitment to controlling his brand and staying true to his roots has been crucial in maintaining his influence in the skateboarding world 5.

       

    X Games Impact

    The X Games played a pivotal role in revitalizing skateboarding, with Tony Hawk at the forefront. His dedication to vert skating, even when it was not the preferred style, positioned him perfectly for the X Games' emergence, allowing him to showcase his skills to a broader audience 6. Tony's love for skating and his ability to innovate kept him ahead of the curve, ensuring his relevance in the industry 7.

    I never lost sight of what got me here, and that is the skating and that is the being a genuine person.

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    Despite setbacks, Tony's resilience and passion for skateboarding have been key to his enduring success 8.

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