Skateboarding has evolved immensely over the years. One such icon responsible for it to become famous and loved all over the world is Tony Hawk. Along with being an iconic skateboarder who redefined the sport, Tony is also a businessman.

His charismatic persona made people from all over the world try the fantastic sport. Being a hyperactive child, his parents supported his skateboarding journey as they believed it would help him channel his extra energy. ‘The Birdman’ became a professional skateboarder at the age of 14. The iconic skateboarder has revealed in multiple interviews how skateboarding became the elixir of his life.

Tony Hawk reveals what kept him going

Tony Hawk developed his skills early in life and became a professional skateboarder when he was still in high school. He was the defending National Skateboard Association world champion for 12 consecutive years. With so many achievements under his belt, Tony decided to retire after the X games in 2003. Despite bidding goodbye to the sport professionally, he still rides the skateboard frequently. In 2011, almost eight years after his retirement, Tony bewildered the internet by still landing a trick.

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Speaking to People’s magazine, the 54-year Tony Hawk once revealed how skateboarding is still a very important part of his life. “I had to make sure that I knew skateboarding was for enjoyment. And to never lose sight of that. And especially now, it used to be my escape and in a lot of ways my distraction from dealing with my real-life problems,” he said.

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After his retirement, skateboarding is not stressful for him anymore. Moreover, he did not have to deal with the competitive nature of the sport after retiring. But could enjoy it unfeignedly and wholeheartedly. Furthermore, adding to it, he said, “And now it’s just a form of entertainment and joy and exercise. But skating keeps my mind free.”

Tony’s career in the film industry

Along with competitive skateboarding, Tony was a part of multiple movies revolving around skateboarding. He tried his luck in the film business as well. ‘The Birdman’ starred in the movie ‘ Thrashin ‘ in 1986. He portrayed the role of a skateboarder and skater double for the American actor Josh Brolin. The following year, he made a brief appearance in the film Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol with David Spade.

Following such appearances, he moved to cameo roles while focusing on his skateboarding career. Tony also featured in multiple television shows such as Action, What I Like About You, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and The Tom Green Show. He even did the voice-over for an episode of ‘The Simpsons’ where he played himself.

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