Tony Hawk's first skateboard he got as a present from his brother. It was the beginning of the steep career of the Californian who was born in San Diego in 1968.
Nine-year-old Tony Hawk on his first skateboard.
At the age of 12, Tony Hawk won amateur competitions all over California. At 14, he went pro.
The exceptional talent won the title "Vertical Skating World Champion" 12 times in a row from 1988 to 1999.
In the late 80s Tony Hawk toured the world to skate in demos and competitions.
Shortly after the X-Games 1999 Tony Hawk retired from competitive sports and only skated at shows and demo events.
In the same year he launched his legendary video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.
Tony Hawk in the infamous BBHJ Loop.
In addition to his career as a professional skateboarder, Hawk founded the skateboard labels Birdhouse Projects and Hawk Clothing.
After the X-Games 2003 he did not take part in any competitions anymore, but continued to tour the world with top athletes from the skateboard, BMX and motocross sectors.
Tony Hawk at the Nose Wheelie outside the White House.
Tony Hawk is one of the most famous and influential athletes in the world.
Together with the Tony Hawk Foundation, he is responsible for setting up new skateparks in the USA.
