12-Year-Old Prodigy Lands Skateboarding’s First 1080
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https://youtube.com/watch?v=tbjzZHuGTng%C2%A0
Twelve-year old Tom Schaar has been skating since he was four, but only started attempting the 1080 a couple weeks ago. The Malibu-based prodigy made four attempts on March 26—and nailed it on his fifth try, landing three complete mid-air rotations off a 70-foot tall mega ramp at Woodward West, an action-sports camp in Tehachapi and becoming the first skateboarder in history to stick the sport’s most elusive trick.
Needless to say, this is ridiculously impressive for an 80-pound sixth-grade who grew up skating with his older brother on a small vert ramp in his backyard. In 2009, Tom was featured in Disney and ESPN’s new TV series “Next X,” featuring five up-and-coming skateboarders and BMX riders who were invited to Woodward West to show why they are considered future X Gamers. He has also taken his skills to some of the biggest and well known skateboard competitions in America; he demoed at X Games 15 and was the youngest invitee to the 2009 Maloof Money Cup. He also competed in both the 2008 and 2009 Dew Tour. According to ESPN, pro skater Buddy Lasek has been mentoring Tom for the past few years.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XCmHPM60ieg%C2%A0
When he heard the news, skate legend Tony Hawk tweeted: “In the last year I've seen Shaun White try 1080's & Mitchie Brusco crash-land a few. Tom Schaar nailed it.” No doubt we’ll see more huge air from him in coming months—possibly even the Summer X Games in LA.
—Katie Arnold
@raisingrippers
