Tony Hawk on movement as he gets older: "Every ollie is a gift"

July 22, 2026 - 23:39

Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder who redefined what is possible on a board, is now in his mid-50s and approaching his sport with a new perspective. In a recent interview, Hawk reflected on how his relationship with movement has changed as he has gotten older. He described each ollie, the fundamental jump that launched his career, as a gift, acknowledging that the physical toll of decades of high-impact skating requires a more mindful approach.

Hawk noted that he has become better at prioritizing family time over the years, a shift from his younger days when skating consumed nearly every waking hour. To maintain his ability to skate, he has added weight lifting to his routine, focusing on strength and injury prevention rather than just tricks. He emphasized that movement and play are essential for staying young, both physically and mentally. While he no longer attempts the massive gaps and handrails of his prime, Hawk still finds joy in cruising a bowl or landing a clean trick. His message is clear: adapting your passion to your body's limits is not a surrender, but a way to keep the stoke alive for as long as possible.