Passion Struck with John R. Miles - Episode 603: Skateboarding Legend Tom Schaar on How to Fall 999 Times and Still Win

In Episode 603 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles interviews Tom Schaar, a trailblazing skateboarder who has carved his name into the sport's history. From landing the first-ever 1080-degree spin at the age of 12 to earning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Tom's journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This detailed summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting key discussions, insights, and inspirational moments.

1. Early Beginnings and Breakthrough Moments

Introduction to Skateboarding: Tom Schaar's entry into skateboarding was influenced by his older brother. As he recounts at [09:38], "I got into it because my older brother skated, and being the little brother, I had to copy steal whatever he was doing." This imitation soon blossomed into a profound passion for the sport.

Landing the 1080: One of Tom's most significant achievements came at the tender age of 12 when he became the first skateboarder to land a 1080-degree spin. Reflecting on this milestone at [11:09], he shares, "It took five tries, which was very surprising. I thought it was going to take 500 or something." This breakthrough not only marked a personal victory but also elevated his status in the skateboarding community, leading to appearances on platforms like the Ellen Show.

2. Navigating the Competitive Landscape: X Games to Olympics

X Games Influence: The X Games have long been the premier stage for action sports, pushing athletes to new limits. Tom emphasizes their role at [14:09], "What they've done for action sports is pretty remarkable. We wouldn't be doing much without X Games. They really put action sports onto a whole different level."

Transition to the Olympics: With skateboarding's inclusion in the Olympic Games, Tom describes the shift as both challenging and rewarding. At [14:09], he notes, "Going from X Games to Olympics is a pretty crazy jump, but I think it prepared us pretty well for what to expect." This transition required athletes to adapt to a more structured and internationally recognized competitive environment.

3. The Mindset of Resilience: Overcoming Fear and Failure

Facing Fear: Fear is an ever-present companion in high-stakes skateboarding. Tom candidly admits at [19:33], "I'm terrified most of the time." However, he believes that managing this fear is essential: "There's a fine line that you have to ride along, because if it's not scary, then there's not really much of a reward."

Embracing Failure: Resilience is built through repeated failures and the unwavering commitment to succeed. At [23:18], Tom shares, "It's just a long process. Every trick I've ever tried to learn has been a struggle." He likens the learning process to a "chess game in your head," where strategic thinking leads to eventual success.

Staying Present: Tom highlights the importance of mindfulness in overcoming fear. At [21:18], he states, "It's just about staying in the present and just trying to not really think about what could go wrong or what could go right."

4. Personal Growth and Finding One’s Place

Transitioning Styles: Shifting from vert skating to the Olympic park format was a pivotal moment in Tom's career. He reflects at [17:36], "I slowly transitioned from vert and mega into that. And I think when I was younger, I was pretty good at vert and mega. And then those few years that I was transitioning, things started to click again."

Overcoming Burnout: During this transition, Tom experienced a period of uncertainty but ultimately found his stride. "I either just got burnt out on skating vert and mega ramps... but then I figured out where I felt like I belonged," he explains at [17:36].

5. Olympic Experience: Balancing Pressure and Enjoyment

Qualifying for Paris: Tom's journey to the Paris Olympics was fraught with narrow margins. At [27:07], he recounts, "I barely qualified by the skin of my teeth... I ended up in second, and I stayed in second the whole rest of the contest."

Maintaining a Relaxed Mindset: Despite the immense pressure, Tom chose to enjoy the experience. At [32:08], he shares, "I was just enjoying hanging out in the village and just seeing all my friends... trying to have fun."

Meeting Celebrities: A memorable moment was meeting Snoop Dogg during the Olympics. At [29:06], Tom describes, "He gave me a high five, gave me a hug. And then, yeah, I met him for five seconds. But I'll count it for sure."

6. Influence and Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation

Role Model Responsibilities: Tom acknowledges the influence he has on young skaters. At [38:30], he states, "Hopefully, if someone watches me skate, it can bring them a little bit of joy or try and inspire kids to be better."

Balancing Success and Fun: He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport: "Just have fun with it and do your own thing, and everything will work out," Tom advises at [40:23].

7. Training Regimen and Habit Formation

Physical Training: Tom focuses on injury prevention and overall health rather than excessive weight training. At [47:07], he explains, "A lot of it is just basic stuff, just eating well... staying flexible."

Consistency and Habits: Habits play a crucial role in his training. At [48:29], Tom shares, "There's a lot of days where I don't want to go skate or train... you just have to make yourself go."

8. The Future of Skateboarding and Personal Goals

Evolving the Sport: Tom is excited about the continuous evolution of skateboarding, especially with younger talents pushing the boundaries. At [49:25], he observes, "The next generations, they've got this pretty figured out. It's just getting better."

Legacy Through Creativity: Beyond competitions, Tom aims to leave a lasting impact through creative endeavors like video parts. At [52:24], he states, "A video will last forever. That's your legacy. That's what you leave with skating."

9. Advice for Aspiring Athletes

Embrace Challenges: Tom encourages athletes to take risks and embrace failures: "Failing is a lot easier than living with regret... it's better to try and fail than it is to never start and regret not ever trying," he advises at [40:53].

Community Support: Surrounding oneself with supportive peers can make overcoming obstacles more manageable. At [41:40], Tom emphasizes, "Having good people surrounding you... can make a lot more fun."

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Fear and Failure: Fear is inherent in pushing limits, but managing it through presence and resilience leads to growth.
2. Consistent Effort and Habits: Regular practice and maintaining good habits are crucial for mastering complex skills.
3. Adapt and Evolve: Transitioning between different styles or formats can open new avenues for personal and professional growth.
4. Inspire and Lead: Serving as a positive role model adds purpose beyond personal achievements.
5. Balance and Enjoyment: Maintaining a sense of fun ensures sustained passion and prevents burnout.
6. Legacy Through Creativity: Beyond competitions, creative contributions like video parts can cement one's legacy in the sport.

Conclusion

Tom Schaar's story, as shared on Passion Struck, underscores the power of resilience, intentionality, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion. From overcoming fear to balancing competitive pressures, Tom exemplifies how dedication and the right mindset can lead to extraordinary achievements. His journey serves as an inspiration for athletes and individuals alike, encouraging them to push boundaries, embrace failures, and create a legacy that extends beyond personal success.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Schaar on Feeling Lucky [08:50]: "I'm very lucky that this gets to be my job... my job is what I wanted to do when I was a kid."
• On Overcoming Fear [19:33]: "I'm terrified most of the time... learning to let that sit with you."
• On Persistence [23:18]: "Every trick I've ever tried to learn has been a struggle... it's a chess game in your head."
• On Inspiring Others [38:30]: "Hopefully, if someone watches me skate, it can bring them a little bit of joy or try and inspire kids to be better."
• Advice to Athletes [40:53]: "Failing is a lot easier than living with regret... it's better to try and fail than it is to never start."

For More Information:

• Follow Tom Schaar: Stay updated with Tom's latest ventures and skateboarding projects on his Instagram and upcoming video parts slated for release in March.
• Join the Ignition Room: Engage with a community of purpose-driven high performers at Ignition Room.
• Experience More: Explore additional episodes and resources at PassionStruck.com.

This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode 603 for those who haven't listened, capturing the essence of Tom Schaar's inspiring journey and the valuable insights shared during the conversation.