The Birdman

Tony Hawk, aka "The Birdman", aka "The Hawk", aka "the best skateboarder ever," talked to three reporters after the legends vert jam session ended Sunday around noon.

It was eight years ago that Hawk crossed over into mainstream media when he landed the first ever 900-degree spin on a vert ramp during the X Games in 1999. I can't believe it was that long ago. I could have sworn that was three or four years ago. And apparently neither could Tony when I reminded him it was eight years ago.

"No," I can't believe it was that long, and it's still hard" to do.

Everyone knows Tony Hawk, even a lot non-skating people know who Tony Hawk is, but not everyone at the X Games (especially not the 10 or 12 year olds, I think) know who Mike McGill, Christian Hosoi, Duane Peters or even Caballero are or were.

"I think it's important for them too see the history and see the progression of how far it's gone, especially (because) right after we skate the absolutely newest best guys come and skate. And they see how much the level has been raised, but also were the influences where. I think it's important for kids to understand that and appreciate it."

I agree.

-- Jaime Cárdenas

More Caballero

Caballero was a cool guy. Talking about everything from the legends vert jam session, to the Olympics, to God.

He also said the reason he got into skating was because skating presented a challenge to him.

"I looked at it as something challenging for my life and it's still a challenge," he said. "And now it's even more of challenge because your body doesn't heel as quick, your timing is a bit off, you're a little bit slower, your not as flexible, so it's even more of a challenge now."

"I think the more these guys (pointing to the participant in the skateboard men's vert competition) see us skating, and doing tricks, it's going to give them some inspiration and motivation to say 'hey, my career isn't just a short span' but (have) longevity in this career if (they) make decision and choices. Life is a choice, nothings a chance."

"It's retty rad how God has blessed me with this gifts and talents to make a name for myself and do something for the sport and do something positive that kids enjoy. I just want to give back to God and share my life and share what he's done in my life and show people what love is all about."

-- Jaime Cardenas

Caballero: 'X-Games just as big as the Olympics'

Skateboard legend Steve Caballero is under the impression that the same people that watch the Olympics are watching the X Games.

Following the legend vert jam session, Caballero, 43, was asked about his thoughts on skateboarding being an Olympic sport. He said it's great that its under consideration, but ...

"I think the X Games is just as big as the Olympics, to tell you the truth. Who doesn't watch the X Games?," Caballero said. "You telling me people that watch the Olympics don't watch the X-Games?"

Ah, yeah!

"You know the parents are watching the X Games because the kids are watching it," he added.

Well, that might be true, but no way are X Games getting the same numbers as the Olympics. But, the again, who am I to argue with a man guy who had a shoe named after him

-- Jaime Cárdenas