OG professional skateboarder Tyrone “T Bone” Olson has spent most of his life on a skateboard and he is still out there doing what he loves at 51.
While many people think skating is something you age out of, he continues to show up and ride with the same love for it that he had from the start.
He recently took part in Tampa Pro, staying active in one of the most respected skate events and holding his own alongside younger skaters. Instead of stepping back, he keeps showing up and enjoying every run, proving that dedication to skating does not fade just because the years add up.
Throughout his career, Olson has heard the usual comments that skaters should slow down once they hit a certain age. He has never really listened to that kind of talk. For him, skating is not about fitting into expectations, it is about staying on the board, learning new things, and enjoying every session for what it is.
After his run at Tampa Pro, he shared a simple message:
“51 and still having fun on my skateboard. Here’s my @spottampa run from yesterday. #spottampapro #tampapro2026 #skateboarding #51yearsold 🛹❤️💪🏾”
That kind of mindset is what keeps him rolling. It is not about proving anything to anyone. It is about doing what he enjoys and staying connected to skating no matter what age he is. For younger skaters watching him, it is a reminder that time does not have to take you away from the board if you still want to be there.
T Bone Olson’s presence in contests like Tampa Pro also helps normalize older skaters still being part of the scene. It shows that skating does not have an expiration point and that people can continue for as long as they want as long as they keep showing up for it.
His story is a simple one. Keep skating, keep showing up, and keep enjoying it for yourself, no matter how many years have passed.