There are few athletes in any sport who have reached the heights of achievement and fame like Tony Hawk has. Still, he appears to remain a grounded down-to-Earth guy despite his incredible success. How does he do it? From maintaining discipline to finding balance, the pro-skater has employed a number of techniques and philosophies to guide him through his absolutely insane life.
While it’s important for each of us to find our own drive and path in life, it never hurts to learn some lessons and take some inspiration from those who came before us. Who better to get some of that advice from than Tony Hawk? An undisputed face on the Mt. Rushmore of skateboarders, namesake and driving force behind one of the best-selling video games of all time, and an enduring international icon, Tony Hawk has become more than just an inspiration to skateboarders but also a household name and icon known and loved around the world. Not a bad guy to get a little bit of wisdom from.
Here are 15 of Tony Hawk’s best quotes to help guide you to similar success in your life:
1) “I believe that people should take pride in what they do, even if it is scored or misunderstood by the public at large.” – Tony Hawk
2) “I feel like skateboarding is as much of a sport as a lifestyle, and an art form, so there’s so much that transcends in terms of music, fashion, and entertainments.” – Tony Hawk
3) “Recognize where your talent lies, work hard on it, and, when you reach the top of your profession, don’t forget your roots.” – Tony Hawk
4) “I won’t quit skating until I am physically unable.” – Tony Hawk
5) “You might not make it to the top, but if you do what you love, there is so much more happiness there than being rich or famous.” – Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk didn’t start skating to become a celebrity; he didn’t start skating to become a multi-millionaire; he didn’t even start skating to become one of the greatest skateboarders of all time; he started skating because he loved to skate. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that even if he never made it to the heights he had today that Tony Hawk would have ever stopped skateboarding. If he were working as a store clerk, you know he’d be hitting those kickflips on his break. That’s passion.
6) “I love the fact that there is now a skate park in every city, but it will always have a rebellious/underground edge to it because it is based on individuality.” – Tony Hawk
7) “My style of skating was largely chastised all throughout my formative years. People thought what I was doing was more circus tricks and robotic, and everything else was the Dogtown Boys and surfing and slashing style. I learned to ignore haters early, early on.” – Tony Hawk
8) “I never got into skateboarding to be number one.” – Tony Hawk
9) “There’s a stigma to skating. People think of it as a kid’s sport. People kept telling me I couldn’t possibly make a living out of it. Then they said I couldn’t keep it up in my 30’s. And here I am in my 40’s, and I’m still improving my skills.” – Tony Hawk
10) “It’s harder to skate in front of an audience. A camera doesn’t make fun of you if you fall, and it gives you a second chance.” – Tony Hawk
11) “I think if I were to tell my 21-year-old self anything, I’d say to keep control of my brand.” – Tony Hawk
One of the smartest things someone can do is learn from the mistakes and successes of those who came before them. A smart man never makes the same mistake twice, a wise man never makes the same mistake of those who came before him. If you’re looking for more inspirational quotes from an elite athlete, check out these Quotes by Olympic Snowboarder Eileen Gu.
12) “Don’t be afraid of girls. That is my big regret. Knowing what I know about girls, I should have just gone for it. Guys are such wimps.” – Tony Hawk
13) “I changed high schools three times because my parents moved. I had one friend my freshman year named Miki Vukovich. Miki and I were the only skaters in our high school. He runs my foundation now.” – Tony Hawk
14) “I surround myself with a group of people that I feel have the same sense of values and come from the same culture.” – Tony Hawk
15) “The biggest lesson I learned from my dad is to support children even if they’re doing something that is unorthodox.” – Tony Hawk
There are few individuals in the public sphere, athlete or otherwise, that are as revered or respected as Tony Hawk is. He’s truly
a master of his craft an an example to follow when it comes to maintaining relatability and likability in the face of meteoric success. Rarely has someone’s passion for their (at one time) niche interest shone so brightly. These quotes from Tony Hawk only go to prove the mentality and mindset he has had from the very beginning that has led him to the success he has today.
Whether you’re trying to land that new trick, hit your PR in the gym this weekend, or just want to be a better father – you’re sure to find some wisdom and inspiration here. In all honesty, most of us could benefit from being a little bit more like Tony Hawk. Especially if you’re trying to land an ollie.
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