How Ryan Sheckler Went From Skateboarding Prodigy to Celebrity | Nightline |ABC News

X-Games competitor Ryan Sheckler first rode a skateboard as a toddler and has built an empire around the sport. Sheckler sat down with Nightline, in this exclusive interview, to tell us how he went from skateboarding prodigy to celebrity.
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[@SkateCentral007]

This was so hard to watch as a skateboarder. The news anchor had no clue about this world and has no business making a story about it. I like Sheckler, but not the story..... Skateboarding isn't childish, and it's not for punks either. Skateboarding isn't even about making money. Skateboarding is rewarding all in itself. Sheckler is the most mainstream street skateboarder, but I still have the up most respect for him because of how long he's been at the top of skateboarding. He does it because he loves it, and he just happens to make millions of dollars doing it.

[@aristonawitan3034]

Yep! Exactly! I skate too and the "stereo typical skater punk" line made me want to nuke the news building lol

[@carlos_sk8s370]

I agree bro, skateboarding wasn't even ment to be considered a "cool" way of life. It was made for the thrill, the rush, and just the love of it! I don't really like the fact that they said "skater punk". Not every skater is a punk and that's wat people got to get out of their heads !

[@devinbaran1686]

I feel you dawg

[@aholiabdominguez1881]

He's mainstream because he's an amazing skateboarder. And then again, who doesn't wanna make money

[@daniglevelas98]

Nathaniel Martinez the title of the vid is also funny "from skateboarding prodigy to..." As far as im concerned he still is a pro so...

[@themoldycheeto8719]

Skateboarding is not childish

[@joelopez40oz23]

TheMoldyCheeto yes it is

[@adamkendall3932]

JoeLopez40oz fuck you. Skateboarding (as cliche as it sounds) is literally my life

[@joelopez40oz23]

Adam Kendall fuck u bitch!

[@xlReGaRdLeSslx]

JoeLopez40oz So is playing with bouncy balls LOL

[@nyzfinest3514]

JoeLopez40oz can u even ride on a board?

[@big_burly_bro]

It's unfortunate this guy's broken his elbow 10 times. I wish they'd invent some kind of protective pads for the elbows.

[@db8700]

You should invent it. Make some for knees too. I bet they sell.

[@MYSTIC-xx1ju]

You still can break your elbow with em

[@woshua3143]

quite fortunate if you ask me, keeps the reality as close as it can be.

[@noblecyborg-savage]

@@MYSTIC-xx1ju with what? No one invented them yet

[@danielvelkovski3156]

What would you call them?

[@Casper-tr2li]

Damn his signature at 8 was better than mine is now at 23

[@alrightalrightalright6165]

People give Ryan shit for that TV show. Yeah, it was dumb and pretty silly but really? He was young and they offered him a TV show, a god damn TV show, and he took it. You wouldn't take your own TV show when your, what, 16, 17, 18? I think seems like a stand up guy who has grown a lot and doesn't seem too arrogant. That's pretty hard to do when you've been famous since you're 13 years old.

[@ClearingPathways]

+Tommy Touhghnuts word

[@williamgatesenson]

+Tommy Touhghnuts i give him shit because he's a grade AA douchebag and an asshole. he's about as deep as a kiddy pool

[@TysonIsKetchy]

+Tommy Touhghnuts I LOVED THAT TV show hahaha idk back when MTV was MTV. it was just chill following someones life and seeing different perspective

[@DeeAntonio]

+Tommy Touhghnuts Anyone who is looking to get notoriety, fame, popularity, and expand their brand would take that opportunity that was offered to them at that age. He was a teenager who was up and coming. We must also remember his mother, who is gorgeous btw, lol, is/was his manager and she was probably the driving force behind it. Business is business and if an opportunity to expand and draw attention to a brand/person is offered you have to take it. Most are slamming his personality which is understandable but you cant hate the kid, young man for putting in the work and seizing an opportunity. Now of course thats the world we live in where accomplishments are rarely respected by others but criticized because of other personal gripes and beefs others may have with or of someone...

[@ScroogeMcDutch]

+Tommy Touhghnuts except for all that coke he does on tours and shit

[@ronm7114]

I like he's happy with his bronze medal. Congrats.

[@hoytarchery5302]

i have always liked ryan Sheckler but the skateboard community as a whole for some reason hated him I think every group is full of jelous idiots.

[@thoreus1]

No he was crybaby, but he grew up as everyone else does.

[@MrJimjah]

it's possible to dislike a skater and not be a jealous idiot

[@caseywalker1714]

He is good looking, popular and can skate his ass off... Recipe to be disliked.

[@viehlee]

Nyjah took all The haters

[@DickOswald]

+Aesthetic Medic he has ten times the balls you do dipshit

[@zach_blackburn]

"why dont we do it like this Ryan? this works so much better..." what? hahaha. Just ask him on a date

[@Viziionstudios]

3:40 "can you hold my hand?" "YEAH" he didnt hesitate bro

[@whoremongeringass-wipe5733]

He gets all the hoes man

[@Noctrl100]

He has an intense focus in his eyes.

[@codysawler5423]

k1llzOn381 Yeah It's called Cocaine

[@theheroinundergroundandchi1622]

Yeah that’s opiates. Small pupils. Us light eyed folks give it away quick.

[@drill4408]

What are opiates

[@birdman4birdlegs]

Leave to the media to use terms like "skate or die punk" and create this emotional story out of a half cab

[@youngbloodclay20]

^^hahah so true

[@Gr3ypool]

what is a half cab?

[@BTBY-mm3ik]

fakie frontside 180

[@fatherhate889]

+B34TB0Y 659 nah man..switch nollie 180. bs or fs...I think switch nollie bs halfcabs are steezy af!!

[@RetroVibeZzZ]

Haha

[@Baker6542]

Sheckler's a good guy, mad respect for the dude

[@BukezFinezt]

Hope he had some lovely time after the interview!

[@cmdsyndrome5229]

Bukez Finezt at the first 7 seconds and the reporter said punk?

[@irockuroll60]

Ryan 'specked is going get lucky with her

[@jakemasters2674]

Lol i was thinking that the whole time!

[@katprinner7429]

Bukez Finezt perv

[@user-iy9xg4uq9i]

I've always had a crush on Ryan. He's such a genuine person and very respectable and humble despite his fame.

[@KeloTheGod]

The sport has grown so much it's amazing, when I skated it in the mid to late 90,s was an outcasted sport to do, Ryans defintly a legend props to that kid

[@corbinhendrix2116]

haha really? stereo typical skater type punk....okay media.

[@fuckdicat]

***** It is how the stereotypical skateboarder is, so...

[@aristonawitan3034]

Most skaters are not punks.

[@fuckdicat]

Ariston Awitan ''STEREOTYPICAL''

[@aristonawitan3034]

The public doesn't get skaters. Yes that's the stereotype, but that's not really what we are.

[@fuckdicat]

Ariston Awitan orly

[@Oxcilic]

She mentioned how he's having to compete against the younger skaters but the guy was 25 when this was filmed. Action sports athletes have stupidly short careers if he's on the backside of his career at that age.

[@nGUNNARp]

of course they have super short careers...body can't take a beating like that forever

[@0664preisi1]

Chris Cole is 34

[@sethgoodman1030]

Steve cabellero is over 50 and still rides, a total legend

[@exzaviorw]

many major pros are hitting 40 and still going hard, and people like tony hawk or rob dyrdeck know how yo market themselves at the top of their carrer, hawk went down in the 90s but still us well known from media coverage, clothing, movies, and much more, if he didnt do that he would of been unheard of today

[@cyruslever586]

nfl running backs are lucky to maintain production till 30. 30 is the magic number for them where they just cant put up the numbers anymore especially the great running backs.

[@seanmahoney685]

I used to live in San Clemente and skated the park all the time and when Ryan was there he was classy and friendly. His brother Shane was a rad person too! Yeah Sheckler!

[@cherybomb1525]

"I love giving fans what they want to see" how bout that backside flip down el toro then ....

[@connorcarter3509]

ryan is the reason I started to skate

[@freya2169]

Same

[@skeptikalmakhluk]

same

[@heights163]

He looks like a little Rich Piana.

[@nikitasidoryuk852]

heights163 loool

[@kasp-no3ec]

heights163 HAHAHAHA

[@ChrisLamia]

RIP Piano Man

[@OskarBravo]

A piece of Rich's Bicep broke off... And morphed into Sheckler...

[@tylerh1648]

RIP rich

[@FunkNatives]

If Hayden Christensen had a little brother, it'd be Ryan they look dead on alike. 😂

[@danad91]

Ppl used to give Ryan a bad rap because he "sold out" but the truth is the guy is fantastic skater and is always great to his fans which is enough for me

[@gilo1223]

I loved Life of Ryan. I would trip every time it came on. He was a roll model at that point of time in my life. I'm Grateful for that

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

You need a mustache in order to be a legend.

[@abrahamdelnuncio]

Ryan will always be one of my favorites.

[@iamtaco253]

Aaron Kyro shoulda teach her how to ride a skateboard

[@s2001-q9g]

Kyro: Hello im aaron kyro, i come from the san Francisco bay area, and today im- Cameraman: uhh whats this random kid doing here... SECURITY!!

[@davehowarth5710]

Sam Gill fuck aaron kyro

[@sfhextreme]

Yeah his style is kinda boring but hes a good skater and seems like a nice guy (curren caples and louie lopez are where its at)

[@sfhextreme]

(this is me sam on a different account)

[@MrAlvrud]

IAm Taco All Aaron says is RIDE YOUR BOARD EVERYWHERE

[@felipevictorio294]

Ryan, you're already a legend.

[@MarkKaput]

im glad to see that he protects his head 2:13

[@kyleortiz8038]

Dude's a ballerina on a skateboard. Philosophical & wise in his young age. Sensitive & kind. Determined, with eyes of Passion. Heart

[@STxEmpyre]

"At the ripe old age of 25, he's a multi-milganaire" Lol did anyone else hear that shit?

[@camcane1]

Ever since I first started skating Sheckler was one if my idols bruh.

[@OhMyCarnage]

Being a skateboarder and watching this video makes me cringe.

[@theman6109]

Haha same here

[@markregulski1598]

OhMyCarnage same here :\. reminds me of how Ryan went thru that whole "crying" publicity phase or whatever .... I that that Ryan has the skills, just not the right mindset

[@crazy4piehobo]

OhMyCarnage Sheckler pisses me off

[@skulleagletartat]

OhMyCarnage Ryan Sheckler rips, you should cringe on that halfcab drop to kickflip up.

[@AngelValdovinos]

OhMyCarnage skateboarding is for kids

[@charityeddleman4851]

Who’s watching in 2021 !! Great video !! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

[@kearadunbar686]

when your not a skater but you know the names like tony hawk, chad musker,rodney mullen, bob burnquist, ryan sheckler and nyjah houston i think you made it

[@jimbeam3783]

I used to watch his show. I always respected and looked up to him because he was living his passion. I am so happy to see that he is extremely successful in doing what he loves to do.

[@elementsk84life1]

"Your stereotypical skate or die punk" Everytime I hear something like that it makes me cringe so hard. Seriously, It amazes me how ignorant some people still are about skateboarding, especially a news report. Shouldn't you be a little more professional than that... Could you imagine if the reporter opened up a story on a professional football player saying: "he may look like your stereotypical meathead jock" It would never happen. It just makes her look like foolish and is further losing ABC News credibility. When I was younger it probably would have bothered me more having people have negative opinions about skateboarding. But now I couldn't care less, I actually prefer it that way. It detours stupid close minded people from skateboarding.

[@lockdown550]

but it's not a lie, if someone doesn't look like a stereotypical skateboarder they get so much hate

[@allanlam7669]

"One person, can't destroy an activity, that's meant to be freedom, anyway." - Sheckler. I love this idea, and can see how this man was able to live bravely, through the discipline of skateboarding towards a truly authentic life. "It's whatever, is clever, at that moment." - Sheckler. Another great concept, to be in the moment, and do things like sign autographs for 3 hours, or practise a trick for many, many more.

[@Chris-ef4iq]

Still can't backside flip El Toro... Jk Sheckler rules!

[@skulleagletartat]

Chris B haha, his attempts look like he could but damn it's either a make or a total fucking break off. At 25, I don't blame him if he says fuck it, let some 17 year old stick it.

[@Seph_vision]

Charles Snyder you can view his attempts somewhere?

[@usernamehere3326]

Joseph Martinez The plan b video has footy of some attempts after his part.

[@Seph_vision]

Yeah the attempts looked crazy as shit. He ate shit so hard!

[@naruto5682]

He still lied though xD

[@ParamountSkater562]

There is no correct way to manage these things. No reason to hate. Proud that Sheckler is one of the very few that has brought success for himself and his family through skateboarding and things he likes doing. Not to mention he's a very good public speaker. Good heart Shecks!

[@Kari2025]

4:20 Where'd that footage come from? I've actually never seen that interview.

[@MrDevilownsmysoul]

i like the celeby skater ryan is he really put on for his generation defiantly gonna go down as a legend

[@therabbit254]

looks like Shooter McGavin

[@falquest]

The Rabbit HAHAHAHAHA

[@MeanLaQueefa]

😭he really does.

[@specwargru]

His reaction to the bronze medal at the end says it all. He was stoked. He seemed a little happier than the others LOL! Solid dude...

[@jamesjones5001]

I Remember his reality show when he was a teen ....His dads swole like a mfr

[@Snicklefritterz]

That elbow is buckled the fuck up. Love him, hate him whatever, the dude is a beast.

[@NIRVANAmat]

I'm from Scotland.. So I have to admit, seeing this sort of stuff on 'the news' is pretty strange..

[@Koala019]

NIRVANAmat what makes u think they advertise skateboarding regularly in other countries?

[@skateactsy]

NIRVANAmat lol that was funny ! 😄

[@erockstoenescu6171]

What sort of stuff? Skating?

[@stevenpreston5943]

Welcome to American news... Where they even make shit up for viewership...

[@Glee73]

skateboarding is multi billion dollar industry, why wont it make the news?

[@lolitagrant3225]

Ryan Allen, you are KING of Skateboarding! ❌⭕️❌⭕️‼️

[@lancelovecraft5913]

lol remember in 2008 when everyone was shaving their heads? haha he should have kept that look

[@Souran123]

Lance Lovecraft Haha why.

[@Noname-lk2ol]

Haha because haha

[@aldrinespinoza7908]

God bless you man! You the best sheckler.

[@treatb09]

"skater type hunk" i wasn't aware that we are hunks xD

[@treatb09]

***** oh…ya i wasn't paying full attention i suppose and thought i heard hunk.

[@The_Isaiahnator]

Man, look at that street course for the X-Games... I don't skate, but even _I_ know that's a beautiful course.

[@amongstourselves6203]

Nyjah Houston still is the best skater of his time and still is

[@caseywalker1714]

Maybe... P-Rod is nice and Elijah Beryl is dope.

[@lilogden]

for sure

[@yusufzulfi]

HELL NAH THE BEST SKATER OF ALL TIME IS DEFO LIL WAYNE S/O TO THE GOD

[@lucid622]

yusuf zulfi HELL NAH AARON KYRO IS DA BEST SKATER

[@yusufzulfi]

J S DAMN WHO IS THAT? HE SOUNDS LIKE A PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDER FROM THE BAY AREA

[@collinsdarkwa281]

He is my favorite skater

[@Nirvana4me007]

Rob Dyrdek is responsible for selling out skateboarding.

[@danielbenson6407]

Anthony King define selling out... he certainly gave skaters the opportunity to make money, and he certain brought it to a broader audience.

[@GoutIS300]

Rob Dyrdek is media mogul, a business mans dream who happens to skate. Can't knock his hustle.

[@leloodallasmultipass]

Anthony King I know, now skateboards don't function anymore because of these people.

[@jordanwiththeflu7233]

The funny thing is that most people now don't even know him or recognize as a skater, just TV personality

[@lithium23]

+Anthony King pretty sure every skateboarder that is a household name can be considered a "sell out" which is a dumb term that keeps Skateboarding at a trivial childish level. nice job.

[@passthecash]

Skateboarding isn't about winning or money, its about the love for the sport and just having fun

[@Max-nf1vw]

Well there is a thing called safety gear!!

[@S1RLANC3]

So many opportunities to use unnecessary clickbait. Thank you ABC for not doing it.

[@Landlord_Tipper]

He's like the best skater ever. Does anyone think he's good enough to ride for revive? >:)

[@neverwoner]

Lol super troll

[@FuzionBranz]

I don't think he needs to be sponsored by revive. Way too good for that brand

[@DavidLee-vp3nr]

Foreezybeezy1 lmao he could buy revive

[@Marvinmenthol]

I hope youre not serious

[@shadowX9365]

Foreezybeezy1 I think he needs to step up his game a little bit if he wants to do that

[@JostenJ]

People always hating on him lol but at the same time they can never deny hes a BEAST!

[@Uberboy07]

Her bf is winning

[@sensingdoom8320]

well done Sheckler ... a true superstar

[@fernandoramos1310]

And of course he loses to Nyjah >:)

[@toservemen]

Good job Ryan

[@scarman1998]

He broke his elbows 10 times and still doesn't wear pads? WHY?

[@rennzzz8085]

pads make you look gay.

[@lucid622]

*slaps hand into the face*

Renz Escobedo I'd happily look super gay if it meant not breaking my elbows.

[@RoIIingStoned]

Seems like a cool dude. I remember hearing a lot about him in school a while back. Glad he's going steady

[@richardherzog5405]

Ryan looks 50

[@paulthecardude]

ryan is from my hometown. I've met him :)

[@chrisrose790]

Dude kinda seems miserable

[@Oxcilic]

Why do you say that? Genuinely curious

[@mariussm1th]

I really like for people to have success, but his body in 10-15 years will be totally fucked up and he needs to do things against it daily to live somehow with it. He is basically a younger Rob Dyrdek.

[@supernice_auto]

he doesn't seem miserable at all

[@lightgren8ds267]

weirdest comment of 2018

[@constantinvaldor3742]

@@lightgren8ds267 😂 yours was cos there's are years old 😂

[@triplebeamdreaminful]

LEGEND

[@eduardov4046]

Ryan looks like he's druging out

[@ThePrudence23]

probably my favorite skater

[@cyruslever586]

still can do any trick... still has no flow or style whatsoever.

[@Rufusdos]

I always thought he had a good solid style.

[@Rufusdos]

B. B. I've watched hours of Sheckler footage. I guess I just like solid-looking skaters. Busenitz, Cardiel and Drehobl are also among my favourite styles, nobody would describe any of them as elegant.

[@cyruslever586]

Rufusdos penny. Still penny. Chris cole also has pretty good style. These no cats got no soul. And i blame sheckler.

[@cyruslever586]

B. B. I dodnt say hes a bad skater. I said he has no style. Its not that his style is bad its that its non existant.

[@cyruslever586]

B. B. Chris cole frontside flip in bloom. Of of the most beautiful tricks ever filmed. I get that you like shecklers robot style. Him skating like a robot is actually what makes him so over rated it makes him look like hes really good even tho there are many others that can do the same trick he makes it look easy which isnt great style or skill its just makes him look like a better skater because theres no heart it looks like hes not trying

[@sirtrollsalot9516]

I forgot about this kid...last time I saw him was when he was on Fantasy Factory

[@thewhiteguyatthecookout4480]

He piped

[@ramonecloyd1520]

I haven't always like ryan sheckler but he's a bad boy on that skateboard in to turn pro at 13 years old of age you can't do nothing but respect that

[@ramonecloyd1520]

He come a long way

[@jeremymcclure3372]

how did he sell out by doing a tv show? he brought a new light to skateboarding by way of mtv? the whole skate industry is sell out now bc all these companies are jumping in for money. but if you have the talent go for it! bc it won't last long. as soon as the market drops and hey bail skaters including Ryan will still be here.

[@lip6960]

Jeremy McClure loser skater punks that only dreamed of having his position would always call him a sellout. Unfortunately he listened to those losers and quit his tv show and lost a lot of exposure for the sport and himself. Lions should never listen to sheep

[@richardottum1]

thank you for the inspiration to keep moving in spite of consistent slams trying to exist in the same universe as Ryan Sheckler good ✨ and 1 ❤

[@Odricthestrange]

Yeah as a first hand drug user, looking at his dark circle sunken-in eyes, he is def on pills prob opiates.

[@Rau-AR]

4:28 'kids , big guys actually are just MAD'' hilarious

[@erickromero1736]

skateboarding is still a thing?

[@DigitalNoomad]

I understand all the haters, the dude is chill af tho. He doesn't seem hateworthy

[@terrelltravis]

skater punk lol

[@RandyB509]

no shit right talk about doing an article u have no clue about she did a shitty job on this one

[@itsutterz6674]

+junky jink Do you have a disability?

[@JoshPillault]

One of the greatest skateboarders of all time, period. Hate all you want. But he is definitely one of the best to ever set foot on the griptape.

[@420Crankflipper]

ryan was my idol 10 years ago

[@Norminatus]

I can swear he banged dat cheek after the interview.

[@litgodxevi1150]

the place their introviewing him is a skate shop behind a skate park in Austin I go to

[@colburnmanai6433]

Bruh the reporter tho😻

[@jonathanj5728]

Legend

[@dogghouse306]

His mom is a beauty

[@ZJAYK]

Skating legend for sure!

[@mitchellbayes1268]

Ryan is my favourite skate

[@rosalindarodriguez9222]

that volcom black shirt is awesome!.

[@forzkyne838]

He is a great skater period.

[@theluigimon]

I'd forgotten about this guy

[@alexthomas6687]

he nailed her

[@beastmode8895]

Nyjah took his gold medal and his interview chick lol Legend!

[@13bkevin]

The hesitation when she called him a sell out 💀

[@edwardrodriguezphotographe2103]

David Gonzales, He has an amazing life story!

[@OiVinn-eq1ml]

That’s a nice signature for a kid. Better than older professionals I’ve seen