In the '90s, Tony Hawk dominated skateboarding, leaving behind a record-setting legacy that redefined the sport, now he's leading its charge into the mainstream.&nbsp;

<a href="lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/avril-lavigne-sk8er-boi-tiktok-debut-tony-hawk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Hawk</a> changed the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/lil-dre-los-angeles-talent-fashion-model-pro-skateboarder-musician-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skateboarding</a> game. After entering the skateboarding scene as a young teenager, by the age of 16, he was already named one of the best skateboarders in the world. Since then, Hawk&rsquo;s rise to fame and domination of the professional skating world has turned him into a household name and the sport into a recognized field that made its debut at the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/men/skateboarder-nyjah-huston-tokyo-olympics-interview-prive-revaux" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 Tokyo Olympics</a>. However, after a successful 17-year career filled with record-breaking moves, Hawk turned his sights on his personal businesses. Since his retirement, Hawk has founded The Skateboard Project which builds skateboard parks in underprivileged areas, as well as his own apparel and equipment companies Hawk Apparel Company and Birdhouse Skateboards.&nbsp;
Looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, skateboarding will once again be given an enormous platform to demonstrate its potency as a "mainstream" sport. In an interview with <a href="https://olympics.com/en/news/tony-hawk-progression-skateboarding-interview-olympic-qualifier-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laureus</a>, Hawk said "I think skating has finally come of age." This will no doubt be tested as international skills are displayed throughout the games. The 56-year-old skater and philanthropist will be closely involved with this years Olympics, interviewing competitors in the role of IOC (International Olympics Committee) ambassador, bridging the gap between old and new generations of skaters.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/celebrities-paris-olympics-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">games</a> are now upon us, we look back on photos from Hawk's prime as a skater, delving into his history as a pioneering figure in the skateboarding scene and reminiscing on what can only be called the infancy of skating (seeing as it has come of age now).

Tony Hawk competing at the Civic Center in San Francisco, California in 1984. 

Young Tony Hawk jokes around before a competition in 1985.

Tony Hawk practicing with friends in Carlsbad, California in 1986.

Tony Hawk skateboarding in his hometown of Carlsbad, California in 1986.

Tony Hawk competing at the National Skateboarding Association at the Del Mar Skate Ranch in 1985 in Del Mar, California. 

Tony Hawk at his home in Carlsbad, California in 1986. 

Young Tony Hawk skateboarding in 1986. 

Tony Hawk competing at the Martin Plaza in 1987. 

Tony Hawk competing at the 1998 X-Games in San Diego, California. 

Tony Hawk in 1997. 

Tony Hawk competing at the Tony Hawk State Tour at Skater Island in Rhode Island. 

Tony Hawk at the 2000 X-Games in San Francisco, California. 

Tony Hawk watching the Beach Bash 2000 in Hermosa Beach, California. 

Tony Hawk at the Beach Bash 2000 in Hermosa Beach, California. 

Tony Hawk attending the 2000 ESPY Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Tony Hawk in New York City in 2000. 

Young Photos of Tony Hawk

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Young Photos of Tony Hawk

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