Tony Hawk Lands His Last-Ever Ollie 540 Aged 52

Tony Hawk has landed his last-ever ollie 540.

The legendary skateboarder says it was the last time he completed the one-and-a-half rotation in three decades.

Hawk, 52, made sure he wasn't letting this one go and plans to release Chris Gregson's video camera angle of this trick - and more - as a non-fungible token (NFT) offering via Ethernity in the coming weeks.

"In 1989, I started trying ollie 540s as a joke since it seemed there was no way to keep a skateboard on your feet throughout one-and-a-half spins in the air," explained the veteran skater.

"But at some point, I started scooping the tail with my back toe, which kept my feet in place for most of the spin."

"When Stacy Peralta came to shoot my segment for 'Ban This,' I decided to finally make one since he was using ultra-high-speed film cameras."

"You can see the progression of my feet staying on with this [unseen] raw footage of my attempts before finally landing one... in a full squat, with hand dragging behind."

"It was the first of many that I've made over the last 32 years, and my technique improved as time went on."

"But they've gotten scarier in recent years, as the landing commitment can be risky if your feet aren't in the right places."

"And my willingness to slam unexpectedly into the flat bottom has waned greatly over the last decade."

"So today, I decided to do it one more time... and never again."

"You can see the progression of those attempts, including a slam that looks eerily similar to the one I took while shooting with Stacy."

"But this time, I took down a camera, tripod, and my pinky as collateral damage in my quest for glory."

On July 27, 1999, Hawk became the first skateboarder to complete a 900 - two-and-a-half aerial rotations - at the X Games.

More Info:

Video Credits: 900 Films

[gabrielruelas]

Hearing him say that's his last one is sad, tony hawk is apart of a whole generations childhood

[GLOCOgaming]

That's the last Olie 540, cuz he's gonna do an Olie 900 when he reaches 60 years old! Let's go Bird man!

[MrBlazingninja]

Tony Hawk's is literally an American Icon he will always be be honored and loved 💕

[killinqsworth]

“Thanks guys for hanging in there with me”.... No.
Thank you Birdman. For everything.❤️

[Eric-steele]

I'm watching this at 47 I first saw it as a teenager and now I'm crying too being a kid in the 80s was the best u guys who were there know what i mean and Thankyou Hawk for everything you gave us

[TheRAYviewYT]

Every 540 should be called a Hawk, from now

[Solotwos]

took skateboarding into a global sport . 🐐 give the man his flowers while he’s still here

[BahamasMusicLasers]

"Fuck it. Happy I made it."

Legend...

We're happy you made it! Was a great ride.

[thecuriousquest]

The guy filming and commenting "that was SO sick!" is probably a friend, but probably has no idea what it's like to realize that you have to accept the fact you're aging. In time, he will truly understand.

Thanks, Tony... for being a part of our youth and now our middle adulthood lives!

[TripzC]

Couldnt help but cry with him. We grew up watching this legend of a man become the biggest skating figure to walk the Earth, and now is when we start realizing that our legend is getting old. What an amazing experience it has been to see this man become who he became. Tony Hawk, you're the fuxking goat man, we love you and we cant wait to see what next for you old man!

[hakeemthekid]

This is like watching Super Man hang his cape up.

[brendan]

It’s really sad to see all the athletes I grew up on get older and have to call it quits. Tony always seemed like the one who could outlast the rest, like he could just do this stuff forever.

What he’s able to do at 52 is incredible, but it’s still sad knowing eventually we will have to see Tony skate for the last time.

[gizzardretizzard]

Man. I watched him hit his first 900, McTwist, Indy McTwist, and 540 McTwist upon countless other memories. X Games and Sal calling the action were my childhood.

[harbiw]

This brought me to tears seeing a legend struggling doing ollie 540. And what accomplishment this man had in his career. Long live legend.

Ps: I removed my comment saying 900 is the same thing with 540 olie with more rotation. Didn't notice when it comes to olie, it doesn't involve the grab.

[sillypuddystl]

Still amazing!!!! He’s going down as one of the greatest athletes in modern times. Right up there with Jordan, Brady, Phelps, Marian Jones. All of them. Just totally amazing!!!!

[crunchydinkens]

Man ... I remember when all the kids use to wanna skate like this guy as a kid. Good times.

[NinjqDogz]

PlayStation just released Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2 for free, and playing that age old classic again reminded me about how much every kid wanted to watch, play, or be like Tony Hawk. You may be getting old, but you’re still an inspiration for millions of others!

[DefinitiveMedia]

damn im here crying too, i grew up with Tony Hawk and his games, a pure legend, there will never be another Tony Hawk, Never, ever.

[krysmun]

The thing is, he does't look or sound a day over his late twenties or early thirties, which is astounding, but on the inside it's still clear his age has taken its toll on him. And I commend him for sticking it out for so long. not many people can say they still do what they love and what made them famous for this long.

[DrRodolfo.Medeiros]

That is such an epic, complex and also frightening battle between a man and his time left. The older you are, this clip will hit you differently.