Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Attitude & Aptitude, Comment, Culture, Sport, Talent, Youth
This is a real t-shirt from the 80’s.
Not sure who would commission such a thing, but I can imagine skateboarders loved wearing it as they were breaking the law.
But now, in 2021, we can categorically say the people behind it are wrong.
Because as we saw, skateboarding IS an Olympic sport and it was brilliant to see.
To witness someone win an Olympic medal before they are even a teenager was incredible.
Not just for what they achieved, but how they will have connected to a generation of youth who will not only now see sport in a new light … but will also be able to see the potential of what they can achieve.
We need more of that.
Because in a World where everyone acts like they’ve achieved success, skateboarding doesn’t let you get away with it.
Sure you can buy the clothes.
Sure you can hang out in the right places.
But when you get on that board, it makes you work for everything you get.
No shortcuts. No favours. Just commitment, practice and effort.
Which makes every success worth celebrating.
Which is what we should all be celebrating.
Which may explain why the Olympics was still special, when in some ways, it should have passed us by without so much as a whisper.
Here’s to more sport being legitimised by incredibly talented young athletes who some people have wanted to keep in the shadows.
19 Comments so far
Leave a comment
Leave a Reply to Rob Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Queen were popular in the 80s.
Comment by John September 20, 2021 @ 8:03 amfor some of the 80s.
Comment by andy@cynic September 20, 2021 @ 8:11 amIt must kill you how they’re still popular, despite 2 of them not even being in the band. This makes me extra happy, Hahaha.
Comment by Rob September 20, 2021 @ 8:30 amit doesnt kill me campbell. it makes me fucking despair for the taste of humanity.
Comment by andy@cynic September 20, 2021 @ 8:42 amwhy the fuck have you turned into paula abdul?
Comment by andy@cynic September 20, 2021 @ 8:10 amand why are you being all mr fucking positive about the olympics when you always go on about that book that detailed all the fucking corruption of the ioc? are you being paid off? that would be fucking typical. they get every other fucker arrested and you get a cut of the gravy train.
Comment by andy@cynic September 20, 2021 @ 8:12 amHahahaha … I’m talking about the athletes more than the IOC.
And anyone who reads Andrew Jennings ‘The Lords of the Rings’ will know why.
Comment by Rob September 20, 2021 @ 8:32 amyour positive athlete schtick is all fucking nikes fault.
Comment by andy@cynic September 20, 2021 @ 8:44 amThis is a brilliant summary of why skateboarding is still cool.
“Because in a World where everyone acts like they’ve achieved success, skateboarding doesn’t let you get away with it.“
Comment by Pete September 20, 2021 @ 8:16 amYep.
My friends wife, Ana, has set up a brilliant skateboard group in LA just for young girls. They think they’re learning skateboarding but what she’s really doing is teaching them resilience and belief … so in later life, they won’t wait till they think they are perfect at something to go for something they really want. Which is very different to how men operate, as we all know.
Comment by Rob September 20, 2021 @ 8:37 amWhat a great idea. Do you have the details of the group or could you connect me with Ana please.
Comment by Mary Bryant September 20, 2021 @ 8:49 amYep … will connect you to Ana.
Look in your inbox in about 15 mins.
Comment by Rob September 20, 2021 @ 8:53 amThe Olympics was special. I also thought it was going to be a huge anticlimax but it was just what the world needed. Some positive distraction that reminded us what humans are capable of achieving. It is amazing how much the authorities were against skateboarding. By allowing it in, they made the Olympics interesting to millions who would otherwise think it wasn’t for them. Smart, even if it took them too long to see it.
Comment by George September 20, 2021 @ 8:22 amYep … it was incredible. One of the most enjoyable Olympics I’d seen in years, which was so weird as it was all set for disaster. Even the Japanese public and companies were doubtful … so I hope it helped them realise what they were able to put on. Which hopefully makes all the money they lost on putting it on, less painful.
And yes, most Olympic cities end up losing money, but poor Tokyo … this would have been huge. I do hope the IOC helped offset that. But knowing them, maybe not as much as they should. On brand. Ha.
Comment by Rob September 20, 2021 @ 8:34 amWell said George. I felt exactly the same.
Comment by Lee Hill September 20, 2021 @ 9:42 amI’d buy that t.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 20, 2021 @ 10:48 amAs long as golf never gets into the Olympics it’s all good
Comment by Northern September 20, 2021 @ 11:31 pmI loved 2012 in London
Comment by Northern September 20, 2021 @ 11:45 pmThere was a hell of a lot of opposition, but then the event itself was a joy
Ahh, live sport. Took the boy to see Leeds V Liverpool – forgot how great a big shouty crowd is – even though the boy came to support Liverpool, at least he’s not a Forest supporter
Speaking of the 80s, I’m off to see Johnny Marr tonight – the acceptable modern face of the Smiths, if there is such a thing
I’m not saying I’ve missed you but I cam even willing to ignore the fact you’re seeing Marr tonight. That said, he is the best of The Smiths even if he does live in Portland. Hope all is good mate, great to have you pop by. Makes being up at midnight for a phone call of abuse, worthwhile.
God, I’m gushing with praise. Who am I? Oh yes, a very tired person ha.
Comment by Rob September 21, 2021 @ 12:12 am