Tony Hawk: Professional Skateboarder

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Tony Hawk: Professional Skateboarder Tony Hawk was not an average kid; he was destined to be a skateboarder, little did he know he would change the lives of many. He is known for being one of the most incredible skateboarders of all time. He became a professional at a very young age. Hawk has been in many contests and has won almost all of them. When he retired, he created the Tony Hawk Foundation which helps to build skateparks in underprivileged areas to keep the legends of skateboarding alive. (tonyhawk.com) Anthony Frank “Tony” Hawk, also known as “The Birdman”, was born to Nancy and Frank Peter Rupert Hawk in Carlsbad, California on May 12, 1968. As a young child, he was teased in school because he had scabs and bruises all over him from skateboarding. (Mortimer page#) However, he never let it get to him. He was very strong and determined to be the best. His parents did not have enough money to let him go to the skateparks everyday, so his dad made him a ramp in the driveway. (Mortier page#) They were always encouraging him to follow his dreams. He was hard on himself and expected himself to do so many things because of his dedication to the sport. His frustration became such an issue his parents had him psychologically evaluated at school. The results came back that Hawk was “gifted”, for he had an I.Q. of 144. (tonyhawk.com) His teachers suggested that he be placed in advanced classes. He moved up to the fourth grade but realized it was too much for him. Therefore, he went back to the third grade.(Mortimer page#) He was very intelligent, but he focused more on skateboarding than he did in school. Many know Tony Hawk as one of the best skateboarders in the world. He has made many accomplishments in his life. He h... ... middle of paper ... ...he world, and according to some marketing surveys, one of the most recognizable athlete of any kind in the United States. (tonyhawk.com) Soon after retiring, he introduced the Tony Hawk Foundation, which helps to rebuild skateparks in underprivileged areas. (tonyhawk.com) He has made an huge impact on the lives of many. To summarize, Tony Hawk is an incredible athlete and hero to many around the world. He has achieved many of his goals and encourages others to do the same. He has gone from skateboarding as a young child on a ramp in his driveway to some of the biggest skate parks all around. Though Hawk is retired, he will always be known as one of the greatest. Many look up to him not only for what he does but who he is. Works Cited Mortimer, Sean. Tony Hawk: Professional Skateboarder. n.d. Tony Hawk Inc. Tony Hawk. n.d. 28 March 2014 .

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