Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tony Hawk

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tony Hawk made an impact.

Tony Hawk, nicknamed Birdman, is a highly influential American professional skateboarder and entrepreneur. He is the owner of Birdhouse, a skateboard company. A pioneer in vertical skateboarding, he completed the first documented "900" in 1999. That same year, Activision published a skateboarding video game series named after him. Hawk retired from professional competition in 2003 and is considered one of the greatest skateboarders.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1993: Promotional video for the TurboDuo game Lords of Thunder

In 1993, Tony Hawk used the Video Toaster he received from NewTek to edit a promotional video for the TurboDuo game Lords of Thunder.

2002: Tony Hawk Foundation Created

In 2002, Tony Hawk created the Tony Hawk Foundation in response to the lack of safe and legal skateparks in America.

2007: Athletes for Hope Charity Founded

In 2007, Tony Hawk, along with other athletes, founded the charity Athletes for Hope, an organization that aims to inspire all people to volunteer and support their communities through the actions of professional athletes.

June 2018: Tony Hawk Foundation Awards US$5.8 Million

As of June 2018, Tony Hawk's foundation has awarded US$5.8 million, aiding 596 skatepark projects.

2020: Tony Hawk Foundation Renamed The Skatepark Project

In 2020, the Tony Hawk Foundation changed its name to The Skatepark Project to better describe the organization's mission.

2023: Auction to Benefit Tyre Nichols Memorial Fund

In 2023, Tony Hawk auctioned a signed photograph of himself and Rick Thorne, with 50% of the proceeds to be donated to the Tyre Nichols Memorial Fund, which plans to build a skate park in Nichols' honor.