We were at the X Games in San Francisco 17 years ago on June 27, 1999. The last skateboarding event of the day was the Best Trick contest. And we watched and waited and waited some more as Tony Hawk wrecked himself in pursuit of the ellusive 900.
We saw the X Games best trick event time run out. And then we watched the extra “extended time” run out without Mr. Hawk landing a 900. After Transworld Skateboarding’s Grant Brittain (and nearly every other photographer) had long run out of film we finally gave up and started back back to our hotel. Moments later, Tony Hawk landed the 900. And we missed it.
That’s why it was great to see him bust it out again for one last go 17 years to the day after he made it. It certainly hasn’t gotten any eaiser in the past decade and a half. And though he says it will be his last, we think doing again at 50 would be even radder. If his body can stand the abuse. . .
