At 36, Skatepark Hero Mike Manion is still doing what he loves despite an old knee injury and the occasional hard fall.
After tearing his ACL at just 14, doctors warned him that skateboarding might be over. But decades later, he is still riding on that same knee.
Sharing his experience, Mike recalled Danny Way's words, “You gotta pay to play,” saying that some days you walk away unhurt, while others leave you dealing with the consequences of a fall.
Right now, he is taking a break from skating to let his knee recover, but he remains happy to be walking and teaching.
He is confident he will be back on his board soon.
A true skateboarding inspiration, Mike shows that passion for skating can last a lifetime.
Mike Posted:
"“You gotta pay to play” has always stuck in my head since I heard @dannyway say it in the @dc_skateboarding video. Some days you walk away without a mark, other days gravity wins.
When I was 14 years old I tore my ACL. The doctor told me without surgery I would most likely never be able to run again or play sports, and skateboarding was probably over for me. However at 36 years old I am still skating on that same knee I was told it wouldn’t be possible on. Every now and then when I fall wrong, I get to deal with something like this.
Happy to still be walking and teaching, however, as far as me skateboarding, I am taking it easy and giving this big fella some time to heal. I will be back at full force soon enough I’m sure. 💪🙏🛹
See all you over 30 skaters tonight for old man night at @skate.atl 7-9"