Biography
Nyjah Huston (born November 30, 1994) is an American professional skateboarder.
Biography
Nyjah Huston started skating when he was around 15 years old [1] and rides goofy.[2] He was the youngest-ever X Games competitor and has been competing against professionals since August 2009.[3] He is featured in the Element Skateboards videos "This Is My Element", "Elementality" and the Silver Trucks video "Silver in Barcelona".[4] He also appears in the video games Tony Hawk's Proving Ground , Tony Hawk's Project 8 and Tony Hawk's Ride.[5] In December 2008, Huston left Element Skateboards,[6] and in July 2009, started his own skateboard company, I&I Skateboards.[7] January 2011, Huston went back to Element.[8] Huston won the inaugural Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Award for Action Sports.[9] On July 30, 2011, Huston won gold for Skateboard Street at X Games 17.[10]
Nyjah Huston started skating when he was around 15 years old [1] and rides goofy.[2] He was the youngest-ever X Games competitor and has been competing against professionals since August 2009.[3] He is featured in the Element Skateboards videos "This Is My Element", "Elementality" and the Silver Trucks video "Silver in Barcelona".[4] He also appears in the video games Tony Hawk's Proving Ground , Tony Hawk's Project 8 and Tony Hawk's Ride.[5] In December 2008, Huston left Element Skateboards,[6] and in July 2009, started his own skateboard company, I&I Skateboards.[7] January 2011, Huston went back to Element.[8] Huston won the inaugural Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Award for Action Sports.[9] On July 30, 2011, Huston won gold for Skateboard Street at X Games 17.[10]
Competition history
2004
Volcom Damn Am: 4th (street) [2]
2005
Goofy vs Regular: 1st (street) [2]
Tampa Am: 1st (street) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 2nd (big 6) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 5th (gap 5) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 4th (stair set) [2]
West 49 Can Open: 3rd (rail) [2]
West 49 Can Open: 4th (street) [2]
2006
Dew Tour, Denver: 2nd (park) [2]
Dew Tour, Louisville: 2nd (park) [2]
Dew Tour, overall standings: 4th (park) [2]
Global Assault: 2nd (street) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 2nd (best trick - stair) [2]
WCSK8, year-end world ranking: 17th (street) [2]
X-Games, California: 2nd (street)
Legend of the ledges: 2nd Open
2009
X-Games: 2nd place
2010
Tampa Pro: 2nd
Maloof Money Cup 2010 OC: 2nd (street)
Street League Skateboarding 1st Stop (Glendale, Arizona): 1st (street)
Street League Skateboarding 1st Series: 1st (street)[11]
2011
Tampa Pro: 2nd
Street League Skateboarding 2nd Series, 1st Stop (Seattle, WA): 1st
Street League Skateboarding 2nd Series, 2nd Stop (Kansas City, MO): 1st
Street League Skateboarding 2nd Series, 3rd Stop (Glendale, AZ): 1st
X-Games: 1st place (street)
2004
Volcom Damn Am: 4th (street) [2]
2005
Goofy vs Regular: 1st (street) [2]
Tampa Am: 1st (street) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 2nd (big 6) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 5th (gap 5) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 4th (stair set) [2]
West 49 Can Open: 3rd (rail) [2]
West 49 Can Open: 4th (street) [2]
2006
Dew Tour, Denver: 2nd (park) [2]
Dew Tour, Louisville: 2nd (park) [2]
Dew Tour, overall standings: 4th (park) [2]
Global Assault: 2nd (street) [2]
Vans Downtown Showdown: 2nd (best trick - stair) [2]
WCSK8, year-end world ranking: 17th (street) [2]
X-Games, California: 2nd (street)
Legend of the ledges: 2nd Open
2009
X-Games: 2nd place
2010
Tampa Pro: 2nd
Maloof Money Cup 2010 OC: 2nd (street)
Street League Skateboarding 1st Stop (Glendale, Arizona): 1st (street)
Street League Skateboarding 1st Series: 1st (street)[11]
2011
Tampa Pro: 2nd
Street League Skateboarding 2nd Series, 1st Stop (Seattle, WA): 1st
Street League Skateboarding 2nd Series, 2nd Stop (Kansas City, MO): 1st
Street League Skateboarding 2nd Series, 3rd Stop (Glendale, AZ): 1st
X-Games: 1st place (street)
Tony Hawk
Anthony Frank "Tony" Hawk (born May 12, 1968) is an American retired professional skateboarder and actor. Hawk gained significant fame for completing the first 900 as well as his licensed video game titles distributed by Activision. He is widely considered one of the most successful and influential pioneers of modern vertical skateboarding.[1]
Raised in San Diego, CA, Hawk was described as being "hyperactive" as a child. His parents supported his skateboarding because it served as an outlet for his excessive energy, and as Hawk's skills developed, he became a professional skateboarder at age fourteen. In 1999, he became the first skater to land a 900. In 2002, he created the Boom Boom HuckJam, an extreme sports exhibition and tour which launched in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, Hawk has made numerous appearances in films and other media, as well as his own series of video games. He has also been involved in various philanthropic activities including his own Tony Hawk Foundation which helps build skateparks in underprivileged areas, and also including collaborations with other athletes in the charity Athletes for Hope.
Raised in San Diego, CA, Hawk was described as being "hyperactive" as a child. His parents supported his skateboarding because it served as an outlet for his excessive energy, and as Hawk's skills developed, he became a professional skateboarder at age fourteen. In 1999, he became the first skater to land a 900. In 2002, he created the Boom Boom HuckJam, an extreme sports exhibition and tour which launched in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, Hawk has made numerous appearances in films and other media, as well as his own series of video games. He has also been involved in various philanthropic activities including his own Tony Hawk Foundation which helps build skateparks in underprivileged areas, and also including collaborations with other athletes in the charity Athletes for Hope.
Early life
Hawk was born in San Diego, California, to a retired U.S. Navy officer, Frank Hawk. His wife Nancy Hawk, is a part-time business teacher. Hawk began skateboarding at age eight after his older brother Steve gave him a used skateboard and his father constructed a ramp in their backyard.[2][3] When Hawk was young, he was described as being "hyperactive,"[3] and his mother says that he was "so hard on himself and expected himself to do so many things."[1] One time, Tony struck out in baseball and was so distraught that he hid in a ravine and had to be "physically coaxed out" by his father. His frustration with himself was so harsh that his parents had him psychologically evaluated at school. The results were that Tony was "gifted," and school advisors recommended placing him in advanced classes.[1]
Hawk attended Jean Farb Middle School from 1980 to 1981, and recently went back there for the show "Homecoming" where he set up a ramp and did a demonstration.
He turned pro by the age of 14. He graduated from Torrey Pines High School in the North County Coastal area of San Diego, California. Tony Hawk was the world champion for 12 consecutive years
Hawk was born in San Diego, California, to a retired U.S. Navy officer, Frank Hawk. His wife Nancy Hawk, is a part-time business teacher. Hawk began skateboarding at age eight after his older brother Steve gave him a used skateboard and his father constructed a ramp in their backyard.[2][3] When Hawk was young, he was described as being "hyperactive,"[3] and his mother says that he was "so hard on himself and expected himself to do so many things."[1] One time, Tony struck out in baseball and was so distraught that he hid in a ravine and had to be "physically coaxed out" by his father. His frustration with himself was so harsh that his parents had him psychologically evaluated at school. The results were that Tony was "gifted," and school advisors recommended placing him in advanced classes.[1]
Hawk attended Jean Farb Middle School from 1980 to 1981, and recently went back there for the show "Homecoming" where he set up a ramp and did a demonstration.
He turned pro by the age of 14. He graduated from Torrey Pines High School in the North County Coastal area of San Diego, California. Tony Hawk was the world champion for 12 consecutive years
Professional career
[edit]
[edit]
The 900
On July 27, 1999, Hawk was the first skater to land a 900. He successfully landed the trick, which involves completing two-and-a-half revolutions with the skateboard, on the eleventh attempt. After completing the trick, he commented, "This is the best day of my life."[4] Nearly 12 years later Hawk was still able to land his famous 900 and posted a video of the trick via his Twitter account stating "I'm 42 and I did a 900 today."[5]
[edit]
Boom Boom HuckJam
In 2002, Tony Hawk started the Boom Boom HuckJam tour, which is a touring exhibition featuring freestyle motocross, skateboarding, and BMX with a show in Las Vegas and then on to 31 cities around the USA and eventually to Six Flags amusement parks.[6]
Personal life
Hawk married Cindy Dunbar in April 1990.[14] They had a son, "Tiny" Hawk (born December 6, 1992) whom they named for one of Hawk's ancestors.[15] Tiny also skates for Lakai Limited Footwear and Hawk's own Birdhouse Skateboards.[16] The couple divorced in 1993.[3]
Hawk married Erin Lee in 1996. They had two sons, Spencer (born July 26, 1999) and Keegan (born March 18, 2001). Lee and Hawk divorced in 2004.[3]
Hawk married Lhotse Merriam on January 12, 2006, on the island of Tavarua, Fiji.[17] The couple's first child, a daughter named Kadence Clover Hawk, was born on June 30, 2008. The couple announced their divorce on February 7, 2011.[18]
[edit]
Philanthropy
Tony launched the Tony Hawk Foundation, which has given away more than $3.4 million to help build well over 400 skateparks around the U.S.A. The Foundation supports projects in low income areas and helps underprivileged kids. In 2007, Hawk, Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Warrick Dunn, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning and Cal Ripken, Jr. founded the charity Athletes for Hope[19] which helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and aims to inspire all people to volunteer and support their communities.
Hawk married Erin Lee in 1996. They had two sons, Spencer (born July 26, 1999) and Keegan (born March 18, 2001). Lee and Hawk divorced in 2004.[3]
Hawk married Lhotse Merriam on January 12, 2006, on the island of Tavarua, Fiji.[17] The couple's first child, a daughter named Kadence Clover Hawk, was born on June 30, 2008. The couple announced their divorce on February 7, 2011.[18]
[edit]
Philanthropy
Tony launched the Tony Hawk Foundation, which has given away more than $3.4 million to help build well over 400 skateparks around the U.S.A. The Foundation supports projects in low income areas and helps underprivileged kids. In 2007, Hawk, Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Warrick Dunn, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning and Cal Ripken, Jr. founded the charity Athletes for Hope[19] which helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and aims to inspire all people to volunteer and support their communities.
Rodney Mullen
John Rodney Mullen (born August 17, 1966 in Gainesville, Florida) is a professional freestyle and street skateboarder. He is considered by many to be the best and most influential skater in the history of skateboarding.[1] Mullen is credited with inventing the flatground ollie, the kickflip (originally called the "magic flip") in 1983, the heelflip, the impossible, and a long list of other original tricks.[2] Mullen is credited in numerous skateboarding videos, and has authored an autobiography entitled The Mutt: How to Skateboard and not Kill Yourself.[3][4]
At age six, Mullen was diagnosed with pigeon toe and had to wear leg braces to fix the condition.[5] He began skateboarding on January 1, 1977 at age 10, when his father (who had opposed his son's wishes to practice the sport) finally agreed to give Rodney a skateboard on condition that he would always wear pads, and with the understanding that if he were to ever get hurt, he would have to quit.[2] He describes his interest in skateboarding: "I fell in love with skateboarding because it was individual. There were no teams, there were no captains ... it was completely opposite of what I saw in so many sports: It was creative. I could walk around with my skateboard at the skate park. "I love skateboarding."[6]
Rodney began practicing in full pads. He spent time with his sister's surfer friends who would skateboard on the week days.[7] In 1978, having owned a skateboard for less than a year, Rodney placed 4th out of a group of older and more experienced professional skateboarders
At age six, Mullen was diagnosed with pigeon toe and had to wear leg braces to fix the condition.[5] He began skateboarding on January 1, 1977 at age 10, when his father (who had opposed his son's wishes to practice the sport) finally agreed to give Rodney a skateboard on condition that he would always wear pads, and with the understanding that if he were to ever get hurt, he would have to quit.[2] He describes his interest in skateboarding: "I fell in love with skateboarding because it was individual. There were no teams, there were no captains ... it was completely opposite of what I saw in so many sports: It was creative. I could walk around with my skateboard at the skate park. "I love skateboarding."[6]
Rodney began practicing in full pads. He spent time with his sister's surfer friends who would skateboard on the week days.[7] In 1978, having owned a skateboard for less than a year, Rodney placed 4th out of a group of older and more experienced professional skateboarders
Early career
Throughout the 1980s, he invented the majority of skating's ollie and flip tricks, including the flatground ollie, the Kickflip, the Darkslide, the Heelflip, and the 360 flip. The tricks are an essential part of modern vertical and street skateboarding.
Despite Alan Gelfand's justifiable fame for inventing the ollie air (Gelfand's maneuver being primarily a vert or pool oriented trick) Mullen is responsible for the invention and development of the street ollie. The ability to pop the board off of the ground and land back on the board while moving has quite likely been the most significant development in modern skateboarding. This invention alone would rank Mullen the most important skateboarder of all time.
As the popularity of freestyle skateboarding declined, Mullen was often urged to move his style toward street skating.[8] This is hinted at in the World Industries video Rubbish Heap, where Mullen's sequence ends with team member Jeremy Klein breaking Rodney's freestyle skateboard, and handing him a note from Steve Rocco, symbolizing the end of freestyle.[9]
Throughout the 1980s, he invented the majority of skating's ollie and flip tricks, including the flatground ollie, the Kickflip, the Darkslide, the Heelflip, and the 360 flip. The tricks are an essential part of modern vertical and street skateboarding.
Despite Alan Gelfand's justifiable fame for inventing the ollie air (Gelfand's maneuver being primarily a vert or pool oriented trick) Mullen is responsible for the invention and development of the street ollie. The ability to pop the board off of the ground and land back on the board while moving has quite likely been the most significant development in modern skateboarding. This invention alone would rank Mullen the most important skateboarder of all time.
As the popularity of freestyle skateboarding declined, Mullen was often urged to move his style toward street skating.[8] This is hinted at in the World Industries video Rubbish Heap, where Mullen's sequence ends with team member Jeremy Klein breaking Rodney's freestyle skateboard, and handing him a note from Steve Rocco, symbolizing the end of freestyle.[9]
Fame
In 1991 Mullen joined the high-profile skateboarding team Plan B. Mike Ternasky, the owner of Plan B, influenced Rodney to transition from freestyle to street skating, and showcased the results in the 1992 Plan B video Questionable. Mullen's segment begins with traditional freestyle tricks done on flat ground, but quickly accelerates across public terrain to shift into standard street skating. In relation to obstacles, he sequences tricks, mixes flip tricks with grinds and board slides. In the video, Mullen introduced two newly invented tricks, the Kickflip Underflip and the Casper slide.
Mullen's Questionable performance may have marked the beginning of a new era in street skateboarding. His reluctant departure from freestyle to become a street skater was a symbol that legitimized the technical direction street skating had taken over the previous few years. Mullen specialized at this progression in subsequent Plan B videos; noteworthy is 1993's Virtual Reality where Mullen showcases the newly-mastered Darkslide.
Mullen's participation in Plan B dissolved after Mike Ternasky died unexpectedly in 1994. In 1997, Mullen started another company, A-Team, with the intent of forming a super team with the defection of Plan B from the World Industries empire.[7] Rodney talked to friend and fellow pro Daewon Song to plan the video Rodney vs. Daewon, which featured each skater competing in segments from trick to trick.
Since 1999, Rodney Mullen has appeared in most of the console games of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, Tony Hawk Underground, Tony Hawk Underground 2 ,Tony Hawk American Wasteland, Tony Hawks Proving Ground, and the last game he was in was Tony Hawk: Ride [10]
The A-Team folded in 2000 and Mullen went from company founder to company rider under former Maple rider Marc Johnson, who started Enjoi Skateboards. Mullen left Enjoi to head Almost Skateboards with Daewon Song, the company which he still helms and skates for. Mullen's role at Almost includes research and development on new designs and technologies, including Tensor truck in 2000[11] and experimental and composite deck constructions for Dwindle brands.[12]
In 2002 the World Industries companies, under the holding name Kubic Marketing, were bought out by Globe International for $46 million. Kubic's management remained intact and Mullen began working for Globe International under the Dwindle Distribution brand.[13]
In 2003, Mullen wrote and released his autobiography, entitled The Mutt: How to skateboard and not kill yourself. In late 2003 he was voted as the all-time greatest action sports athlete on the Extreme Sports Channel's Legends of the Extreme countdown.[14][15]
From 2007 to 2009, Mullen worked to erase his riding stance, allowing him to move from regular stance to goofy stance. In an interview with Tony Hawk, Mullen explained that he had developed problems in his right hip joint and that his transition between stances came out of an effort to favor his leg. He goes on to describe that scar tissue had built up in his joint as a result of habitually hyper-extending his leg while skating. Mullen stated that through extensive and consistent stretching he was able to tear away the scar tissue. [16]
In December 2010 Mullen stated in an interview that he is preparing to film a part for the upcoming Almost video.[17]
Mullen's Questionable performance may have marked the beginning of a new era in street skateboarding. His reluctant departure from freestyle to become a street skater was a symbol that legitimized the technical direction street skating had taken over the previous few years. Mullen specialized at this progression in subsequent Plan B videos; noteworthy is 1993's Virtual Reality where Mullen showcases the newly-mastered Darkslide.
Mullen's participation in Plan B dissolved after Mike Ternasky died unexpectedly in 1994. In 1997, Mullen started another company, A-Team, with the intent of forming a super team with the defection of Plan B from the World Industries empire.[7] Rodney talked to friend and fellow pro Daewon Song to plan the video Rodney vs. Daewon, which featured each skater competing in segments from trick to trick.
Since 1999, Rodney Mullen has appeared in most of the console games of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, Tony Hawk Underground, Tony Hawk Underground 2 ,Tony Hawk American Wasteland, Tony Hawks Proving Ground, and the last game he was in was Tony Hawk: Ride [10]
The A-Team folded in 2000 and Mullen went from company founder to company rider under former Maple rider Marc Johnson, who started Enjoi Skateboards. Mullen left Enjoi to head Almost Skateboards with Daewon Song, the company which he still helms and skates for. Mullen's role at Almost includes research and development on new designs and technologies, including Tensor truck in 2000[11] and experimental and composite deck constructions for Dwindle brands.[12]
In 2002 the World Industries companies, under the holding name Kubic Marketing, were bought out by Globe International for $46 million. Kubic's management remained intact and Mullen began working for Globe International under the Dwindle Distribution brand.[13]
In 2003, Mullen wrote and released his autobiography, entitled The Mutt: How to skateboard and not kill yourself. In late 2003 he was voted as the all-time greatest action sports athlete on the Extreme Sports Channel's Legends of the Extreme countdown.[14][15]
From 2007 to 2009, Mullen worked to erase his riding stance, allowing him to move from regular stance to goofy stance. In an interview with Tony Hawk, Mullen explained that he had developed problems in his right hip joint and that his transition between stances came out of an effort to favor his leg. He goes on to describe that scar tissue had built up in his joint as a result of habitually hyper-extending his leg while skating. Mullen stated that through extensive and consistent stretching he was able to tear away the scar tissue. [16]
In December 2010 Mullen stated in an interview that he is preparing to film a part for the upcoming Almost video.[17]
Filmography
Powell Peralta: Skateboarding in the '80's (1982)
Powell Peralta: The Bones Brigade Video Show (1984)
Powell Peralta: Future Primitive (1985)
Powell Peralta: Public Domain (1988)
Gleaming the Cube ("Skate double", 1989)
World Industries: Rubbish Heap (1989)
Plan B: Questionable (1992)
Plan B: Virtual Reality (1993)
Plan B: Second Hand Smoke (1995)
Rodney Mullen vs. Daewon Song (1997)
Rodney Mullen Vs. Daewon Song Round 2 (1999)
Globe: Opinion
Almost: Round Three (2004)
Transworld: Show Me the Way (Darkslide)
Tony Hawk's Secret Skatepark Tour (2005)
John from Cincinnati (Skate double, Episode 10, 2007)
United by Fate (2008)
Powell Peralta: The Bones Brigade Video Show (1984)
Powell Peralta: Future Primitive (1985)
Powell Peralta: Public Domain (1988)
Gleaming the Cube ("Skate double", 1989)
World Industries: Rubbish Heap (1989)
Plan B: Questionable (1992)
Plan B: Virtual Reality (1993)
Plan B: Second Hand Smoke (1995)
Rodney Mullen vs. Daewon Song (1997)
Rodney Mullen Vs. Daewon Song Round 2 (1999)
Globe: Opinion
Almost: Round Three (2004)
Transworld: Show Me the Way (Darkslide)
Tony Hawk's Secret Skatepark Tour (2005)
John from Cincinnati (Skate double, Episode 10, 2007)
United by Fate (2008)
vid:
Nyjah huston
Tony hawk
Rodney mullen
THE END
