In the 1999 ESPN X Games, Tony Hawk became a name that skateboard lovers would honor all over the world. He performed tricks on his board that were previously thought to be impossible. His great talent and inventiveness have made him a world expert in skateboarding and brought the sport itself into the spotlight. Now, instead of being thought of as a toy for kids, skateboarding has been recognized as a true sport requiring great skill and athletic ability to master. Read the story of how Tony Hawk went from a 9-year-old beginner to a champion in extreme sport competition.