The godfather of skateboarding Tony Hawk broke his femur in a skating accident Monday, and it could spell the end of one of the most incredible runs in sports history.
“I’ve said many times that I won’t stop skating until I am physically unable,” Hawk said on social media. “A broken leg—with plenty of hardware—will probably be the biggest test of that creed.”
However, it would be foolish to count the “Bird Man” out. The 53-year-old icon shared the details of the injury, as well as his outlook on his career.
“I have found my sense of purpose and shaped my identity through skating, and it nourishes my mental health immensely,” Hawk said. “I’ll be back … maybe not at full capacity but I resigned to that notion years ago as I approached “mid-life.” Thanks to my unyieldingly supportive, tolerant family—and all of you—for the love and support through the years; I wouldn’t be here without you. See you on the other side.”
In addition to his many on-the-ramp heroics, he’s also famous for his video game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
