Could Tony Hawk come out of retirement? #TonyHawk #Olympics #BBCNews

Key Concepts:

• Skateboarding in the Olympics
• Validation of Skateboarding
• Olympics in Tokyo and Paris
• Los Angeles as the Birthplace of Modern Skateboarding
• Opening Ceremony Involvement
• Vertical Halfpipe Skating as a Discipline

Main Topics and Key Points:

The speaker discusses the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics, emphasizing that the Olympics needed skateboarding's "cool factor" more than skateboarding needed the Olympics' validation. The speaker feels that skateboarding's inclusion in the Olympics is "long overdue" and expresses gratitude for its presence.

Important Examples, Case Studies, or Real-World Applications Discussed:

The speaker mentions their experience attending the Olympics in Tokyo and Paris, highlighting the personal significance of these events. The speaker also notes Los Angeles as the "birthplace of modern skateboarding," while also appreciating its global presence.

Key Arguments or Perspectives Presented, with Their Supporting Evidence:

The speaker expresses pride in skateboarding's Olympic inclusion, citing personal experience and the significance of Los Angeles as skateboarding's birthplace.

Notable Quotes or Significant Statements with Proper Attribution:

• "The Olympics needed skateboarding's cool factor more than we needed their validation."
• "I feel like it's long overdue. I'm thankful it's there."
• "For me, it's just a source of pride."
• "The idea that it's coming to LA is even more amazing because it's somewhat the birthplace of of modern skateboarding."
• "Yes, I would do it for sure. Absolutely." (Regarding involvement in the opening ceremony)
• "If I had any say in it, we would have vertical halfpipe skating as a discipline."

Opening Ceremony Involvement:

The speaker confirms they would participate in the opening ceremony if asked.

Vertical Halfpipe Skating:

The speaker expresses a desire to see vertical halfpipe skating included as an Olympic discipline.

Synthesis/Conclusion of the Main Takeaways:

The speaker views skateboarding's inclusion in the Olympics as a positive development, expressing personal pride and highlighting the sport's global reach and historical significance. They are open to participating in the opening ceremony and advocate for the inclusion of vertical halfpipe skating as an Olympic discipline.