The world knows Tony Hawk as a legendary skateboarder, entrepreneur, and founder of The Skatepark Project — but how exactly did he get all those titles? Tony Hawk was nine years old when his older brother changed his life by giving him a blue fiberglass Bahne skateboard. By 14 he’d turned pro, and by 16 was considered the best competitive skateboarder on earth. A World Champion for 12 years in a row, he continues to skate demos and exhibitions internationally, and remains the most recognized action-sports figure in the world.