ENCINITAS, Calif — In the seaside city of Encinitas, California, Tom Schaar has been soaring on four wheels since he was just a toddler. He is now traveling the world as a top competitor in the skateboarding arena. CBS 8’s John Howard caught up with Schaar for an update on his career and his insights […]
ENCINITAS, Calif — In the seaside city of Encinitas, California, Tom Schaar has been soaring on four wheels since he was just a toddler. He is now traveling the world as a top competitor in the skateboarding arena.
CBS 8’s John Howard caught up with Schaar for an update on his career and his insights from competing in the Olympics and X Games.
Having skateboarding legend Tony Hawk personally hand Tom a custom board was an unforgettable moment. “It’s really awesome,” Tom shared. “I mean, Tony is the pioneer of skateboarding. For him to invite me onto his team is an immense privilege. He presented me with a board that has my name on it, and it’s truly a keepsake that I’ll treasure forever.”
The realm of competitive skateboarding has significantly evolved, with the X Games and the Olympics embodying two unique domains of athletic excellence. “They’re entirely different,” Tom noted. “The X Games is mainstream. That’s how skateboarding first gained visibility. It was likely the initial exposure many had to the sport. The Olympics is… well, it’s the Olympics, and we’re fortunate to be included in it.”
While many might expect the pinnacle of his Olympic experience would be ascending the medal podium, Tom’s fondest memory is surprisingly different. “I went to watch ping pong… I mean, table tennis… and honestly, it might have been the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced,” he reminisced. “Getting to see other Olympic events and the level at which they compete is mind-blowing. They are all, without a doubt, the best in the world, which is why they’re there, but it’s just fascinating to watch all the diverse events.”
Tom’s international journey has led him from the Olympics in Paris to the X Games in Japan and the lively atmosphere of Brazil. However, for him, it’s not merely about the places but the experiences and the friendships formed along the way. “It’s been a blast,” he remarked. “I’ve visited some really cool locations, and I get to share these experiences with my friends. So, it’s quite difficult to complain about that.”
Even elite athletes enjoy their light-hearted moments. When the topic shifted to table tennis, Tom proudly proclaimed himself “the best in my family,” a claim that may not quite put him in the running for Olympic qualification yet, but “I’ve still got some training ahead of me,” he acknowledged.
