After more than two decades as a pro, Tony Hawk is hanging up his board.
The 35-year-old father of three announced his retirement from competition after winning the gold at X Games IX on Sunday in Los Angeles. Hawk placed first in the Vert Best Trick competition with his patented 900, a full two-and-a-half-rotation spin off the half-pipe.
Fans of the skateboarding legend won’t be completely devoid of their idol, however. Hawk said he would still participate in his annual Boom Boom HuckJam skateboard/BMX/motocross tour, which begins its 30-date run October 2 in Vancouver, British Columbia, according to a tour spokesperson.
Hawk, whose video-game series and Birdhouse skate and clothing line have made him the sport’s biggest star, said he reached the decision to escape the pressures of competition and to avoid the scrutiny he’s subjected to whenever he competes. Instead he’ll use the time to focus on other projects.
In 1999 Hawk announced his retirement from the pro circuit after becoming the first skater to pull off the 900. He continued competing in X Games, however.
Since ESPN’s X Games competition began in 1995, Hawk has won a total of 16 gold medals, more than any other athlete.
Boom Boom HuckJam Tour Dates, According To Its Publicist:
- 10/2 – Vancouver, BC – GM Place
- 10/3 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
- 10/4 – Portland, OR – Rose Garden
- 10/5 – Portland, OR – Rose Garden
- 10/7 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
- 10/9 – Sacramento, CA – Arco Arena
- 10/10 – Anaheim, CA – Arrowhead Pond
- 10/11 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
- 10/12 – San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion
- 10/16 – Cleveland, OH – Gund Arena
- 10/17 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- 10/18 – Milwaukee, WI – Bradley Center
- 10/19 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
- 10/23 – Uniondale, NY – Nassau Coliseum
- 10/24 – East Rutherford, NJ – Continental Airlines Arena
- 10/25 – Boston, MA – FleetCenter
- 10/26 – Boston, MA – FleetCenter
- 10/28 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
- 10/30 – Auburn Hills, MI – The Palace of Auburn Hills
- 11/1 – Philadelphia, PA – Wachovia Center
- 11/2 – Washington, DC – MCI Center
- 11/4 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
- 11/5 – St. Louis, MO – Savvis Center
- 11/7 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome
- 11/8 – Dallas, TX – Reunion Arena
- 11/9 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
- 11/10 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Arena
- 11/12 – Nashville, TN – Gaylord Entertainment Center
- 11/14 – Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
- 11/15 – Tampa, FL – St. Pete Times Forum
- 11/16 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Office Depot Center
