The video camera has recorded its fair share of momentous episodes in history. Naturally, now and then, throwback videos of famous athletes in their days of glory surface. They take us back to memories of events that have transpired decades before. Recently, such a video of Tony Hawk in his prime has resurfaced.
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In the video, Hawk, in his teens, is seen performing numerous tricks at the 1986 Sacto Street Style Contest. Even in a glace, it is apparent that the boy moved differently than his peers. There was something mystical about the way he moved on the board.
What made Hawk stand out?
Even the most usual of tricks materialize in unique ways at the hands of the skateboarder. Although that era was experiencing what many would call the golden age of skateboarding, the sport was still at a nascent stage.
Back then, skateboarders were hesitant to mix it up during competitions. It was not the standard to perform unique tricks during competitive events, and competitors usually resorted to their usual tricks. It had more to do with style in those days. But soaring high on the skateboard also mattered.
Imago
19 Aug 2001: Tony Hawk in action during the men’s skateboard vert doubles at the 2001 X-Games at First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hawk and his partner Andy McDonald won the competition . DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit : Ezra Shaw/Allsport
However, Hawk had a different vision for the sport, as he wanted to try out ways to perform new tricks. He enjoyed moving his board and body in ways others have not achieved before.
Even as a teenager, Tony looked strong-willed in what he wanted to do. And it set him apart from most of his peers.
How did Tony Hawk change skateboarding?
Tony’s contributions to the sport have been unparalleled. The pro skateboarder dominated the sport from the mid-80s to the late-90s. Furthermore, he has won 73 pro contests out of the 103 he competed in.
Additionally, he retained the world champion title in vert skating for 12 years in a row between 1984 and 1996. However, Hawk wanted the sport to reach new heights. Therefore, at the age of 25, he stepped away from competitions and dedicated his time to inventing new tricks.
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 03: American skateboarder Tony Hawk performs at the Sydney 500 Grand Finale on the Sydney Olympic Park Street Circuit on December 3, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
He has invented 89 vert tricks to date, some of the most famous being 720, 900, Madonna, and Kickflip McTwist. At 54, Hawk is pretty active and still making significant contributions to the sport.
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Moreover, in the not-so-distant past, Tony pulled off his famous 900 from the sixth X Games one more time at 48.
