Tony Hawk Biography

Anthony Frank Hawk, born May 12, 1968, is an American professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and founder of the skateboard company Birdhouse. A pioneer of modern vertical skateboarding, Hawk completed the first documented "900" trick in 1999. His skills developed early, leading to a television debut on Captain Kangaroo in 1981 as "Skateboard Johnny." By age 25 in 1993, Hawk had won 49 skateboarding contests. In 1995, he won a gold medal in skateboard vert at the first annual X Games with a record score of 97.50. He began his own skateboarding clothing line in 1998 and captured gold in vert doubles and bronze in vert at the same year’s X Games. Tony Hawk won his seventh gold medal in vert doubles at the 2000 X Games after retiring from professional competition.