Tony Hawk has spoken out after suffering a severe leg break at the age of 53.
He shared photos of the damage on social media and has admitted it will be 'much harder to recover' in comparison with breaking his elbow 20 years ago.
Despite the damage caused, Hawk remains hopeful that he can get through this.
Advert
In a lengthy Instagram post, the 53-year-old insists he 'won’t stop skating' until he is physically unable.
He wrote: 'Yesterday sucked.
'I broke my elbow 20 years ago and managed to make a full comeback; this recovery for a broken femur will be much harder because of its severity (and my age).
Advert
'But I’m up for the challenge.
'There is a strange irony that this happened on the eve of HBO releasing a trailer for 'Until The Wheels Fall Off,' Sam Jones’ documentary about my life & career, which has a strong focus on the philosophy of how I/we do this at our age.'
He added: 'The answer is complicated, but ultimately it’s because I have found my sense of purpose and shaped my identity through skating, and it nourishes my mental health immensely.
Advert
'I’ve said many times that I won’t stop skating until I am physically unable.
'A broken leg - with plenty of hardware - will probably be the biggest test of that creed.
'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.
Advert
'See you on the other side.'
Hawk is considered as the man who brought modern vertical skateboarding to the mainstream, after he took the skating scene by storm in the '90s, with his gravity-defying tricks and flips.
He has used his mad skills to forge an empire - releasing a string of iconic skateboarding video games.
Advert
Hawk also started his own skateboard company, The Skatepark Project, which helps to build skateparks in underprivileged areas around the world.
We hope Tony recovers well and can carry on with what he does best.
Topics: Tony Hawk