Tony Hawk is one of the most iconic skateboarders in the game, ever. The 53-year-old is almost synonymous with skateboarding all over the world. At only 14 years old, Hawk was already a professional skateboarder. Hawk received his first skateboard at age 8. He was named the top vert skater every single year from 1984 to 1996.

Tony Hawk is currently a successful businessman, with his video game still very popular worldwide. Even his son Riley, from his first wife, Cindy Dunbar, is a professional skateboarder. Tony recently revealed who the biggest inspiration leading to his success was.

Tony Hawk has said that Michael Jordan, the all-time famous NBA player, is his biggest inspiration. Hawk believes that Jordan has really set the standard when it comes to both performance and business. Michael Jordan himself is considered the GOAT of basketball. He’s also the owner of NASCAR team, 23XI along with numerous other ventures.

“The biggest inspiration for being an athlete and being a successful businessman is Michael Jordan. I mean he is the standard by which all others are measured. I wasn’t trying to emulate him, but for sure, he showed he paved the way,” said Hawk.

“Yeah, it allows me to have a sense of confidence and a way of approaching things, that is different and just do it yourself. Which is definitely what I learnt from skating,” said Hawk.

Further, he also added how in business there are so many risks, same as skating. You might succeed or fail, but the main thing is to get back right up and keep trying.