Tony Hawk

Anthony Frank Hawk (born May 12, 1968), better known as Tony Hawk, is an American professional skateboarder. Hawk gained significant fame for completing the first 900 as well as his licensed video game titles distributed by Activision. He is widely considered one of the most successful and influential pioneers of modern vertical skateboarding. Raised in San Diego, California, Hawk was described as being "hyperactive" as a child. His parents supported his skateboarding because it served as an outlet for his excessive energy, and as Hawk's skills developed, he became a professional skateboarder at age fourteen. In 1999, he became the first skater to land a 900 in competition. In 2002, he created the Boom Boom Huck Jam, an extreme sports competition in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, Hawk has made numerous appearances in films and other media, as well as his own series of video games. He has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, including collaborations with other athletes in the charity Athletes For Hope. Hawk was born in San Diego, California, to a retired U.S. Navy officer, Frank Hawk, and his wife Nancy, a part-time business teacher. Hawk began skateboarding at eight after his older brother Steve bought him a used skateboard and his father constructed a ramp in their backyard.