In the world of sports, injuries can be a daunting obstacle, testing the mettle of athletes. Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk is no stranger to the toll injuries can take on a career. From fractures to sprains and concussions, he has faced numerous challenges on his path to success. However, what sets Hawk apart is his passion for sport and determination to overcome adversity.
Recently, in an interview, Hawk candidly shared the struggles he endured due to these injuries. Yet, his journey is a testament to the resilience of a true sports legend, inspiring others to face life’s obstacles. His words are no less than an inspiration for the young skaters. Let’s explore how Tony Hawk triumphed over injuries and emerged stronger than ever.
The life-altering injury and Hawk’s spirit
Tony Hawk, a few days back, spoke to Andrew Huberman in an episode of Huberman Lab podcast. Both legends exchanged words on multiple topics. Out of this, Huberman asked Tony Hawk about his approach to injuries and the driving force behind his rapid return. Hawk revealed that in the past, he often disregarded professional advice and pushed through injuries, including broken pelvis, elbow, and knee surgeries. He was renowned for his ability to heal quickly and get back on his board. However, a life-altering moment came when Hawk was skating on a mini ramp, and his front foot landed incorrectly, and he “felt his bone move.” In denial for months, he continued to skate despite the constant pain.
Hawk recounted, “I really felt its either twist or get out of place I was in total denial for months because it just hurts. Finally, after 8 months of my recovery, I was always in pain, my skating wasn’t progressing I couldn’t get speed by all measures I should be back at least at a place where I feel good”.
He further added, “and I went an got x rays and they said your bones never connected you have a nonunion fracture every time I skated it was pushed further away, ad that was the hard truth and despite that displacement, I kept skating I could force my skin I kind of learned this hack I can put 75 of my weight back foot and 25 of my front foot and do and it just hurt all of the time it went because I have pretty high tolerance to pain.
After 8 months of struggling with recovery, Hawk sought medical help and received shocking news – his bones had never connected. It resulted in a non-union fracture. Every time he skated, the injury worsened, pushing the bones further apart. Despite this, Hawk refused to give up and devised a unique hack to continue skating, putting 75% of his weight on his back foot and only 25% on his front foot. This allowed him to skate, but it was a constant battle with pain.
The Dark Side of Skateboarding
Tony Hawk’s skateboarding career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. It was not the first time he revealed his surgeries publically, though he tries to keep them private most of the time. However, in the past, he candidly discussed his injuries, including fractures to his pelvis, skull, thumb, and elbow, during a New York Times interview. Additionally, Hawk revealed a long list of sprains, scraps, and concussions accumulated over the years.
Read More: “So Sick”: Local Skateboarder Floors the Internet as Tony Hawk Joins Him in an Exciting Update
His honesty about the physical toll of skateboarding serves as a reminder that even the most skilled athletes face challenges. Hawk’s willingness to share his experiences shines a light on the importance of proper recovery and understanding the limits of one’s body. Despite the setbacks, Hawk’s unwavering spirit and passion for the sport continue to inspire the next generation of skateboarders.
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