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 an American professional skateboarder and entrepreneur. As a pioneer in vertical skateboarding, he landed the first documented "900" in 1999. That same year, he licensed the Tony Hawk's skateboarding video game series. He retired from professional competition in 2003 and is considered one of skateboarding's all-time greats and most influential figures. He also owns the skateboard company Birdhouse.

Sections (4)

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

1993: Promotion of Lords of Thunder game

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

2002: Creation of the Tony Hawk Foundation

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

2007: Founding of Athletes for Hope

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

2015: Robert Wood Johnson Sports award

In 2015, the Tony Hawk Foundation received the Robert Wood Johnson Sports award for its innovative and influential approaches to using sports to build a culture of health in communities.

June 2018: Tony Hawk Foundation's skatepark projects

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

2020: Tony Hawk Foundation Rebrands to 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 for 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 was created following Nichols' death and aims to build a skate park in his honor.