Tony Hawk undoubtedly helped bring the sport of skateboarding to mainstream audiences in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The legendary skateboarder recently made a pact to himself to perform some of his tricks for the last time before retiring. The 54-year-old skateboarder shared two videos on Instagram of him trying to perform an ollie 540. He shot the first video more than 30 years ago; and another video last year.

Tony Hawk said, “In 1989 I started trying ollie 540’s as a joke, since it seemed there was no way to keep a skateboard on your feet throughout 1 1/2 spins in the air,”. But Hawk eventually learned to scoop his tail with his rear toe, keeping his feet planted. 

It is becoming difficult for Tony Hawk to keep skating

Stacy Peralta, another skateboarding legend from the Z-Boys, inspired Tony Hawk to master the trick. Fortunately, he showed up with a high-speed camera and captured the moment Hawk performed the trick.

READ MORE: “Could’ve Been Career Ending”: 54-Year-Old Skateboarding Legend Tony Hawk Recalls Traumatizing Experience of His Worst Injury

Hawk retired from skateboarding in 2003, but he continues to skate today. He added that the ollie 540 is becoming increasingly difficult to perform as the years pass by. Hawk can be seen getting emotional after finally performing the trick in the video. 

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It seems as per the video that Tony Hawk performed the trick for the last time because of the risks involved.

Other tricks that Hawk has performed

Hawk’s retirement has also resulted in him performing other tricks for the last time. In 2016, he made the final attempt at a 900, which he first performed in 1999 in a competition. During the 10 years that Hawk attempted a 900, he has lost teeth, hurt his back, experienced concussions, and cracked a rib in his attempts.

In January 2021, Hawk attempted a 720 and posted it on Instagram. “I recently made a 720 and it was a battle. The last one I made before this was over three years ago, and it’s much harder now all things considered” he said. “I’m really old.“

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Let us know what you think of Tony Hawk’s unwavering spirit and concern for physical well-being in the comments below!