RYAN SCHECKLER

(http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3492225 ())

Ryan was the youngest skateboarder to become famous at the age of seven. 1996-97 little Ryan won CASL 10 & under State Championships at seven and eight years old. He continued to win championships and medals 7 more times. Ryan Sheckler is the youngest pro skater to ever win gold at the X Games in 2004 and for. A total of five straight years! Ryan started skating in his spare time with his neighborhood friends. He told people one day he would be the greatest, better than his godfather Tony Hawk. Ryan also enjoys snowboarding and surfing, but like always, his family supported him with everything he wanted to do.

A best friend, a brother, a son, a godson, and a grandson. Ryan fits into these regular categories. "My family and friends mean the most to me," Shecks has two little brothers, Shane "T-Bone" and Kane "Vol-Kane-O" Sheckler, along with two happily married parents, Gretchen and Randy Sheckler. Best friend and brother, Casey, is 19 years old and is Ryan's closest friends. Casey graduated from high school and is the first to head to college. Casey and Ryan plan on moving in together as soon as Ryan moves out. This boy puts family first.

When he was just 18 months old, Ryan Sheckler found his dad's old school skateboard. Shortly after that he was pushing himself around on one knee. Finally he learned how to stand up. At the age of 4 he was already doing basic tricks on the board. He became famous in 2003 for skateboarding, with his dad, and uncle as his sponsor. Ryan eventually told his family that he wanted to be famous for this sport and they helped him make this happen, by supporting him with everything he needed.