Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Skateboarding Legend Tom Schaar on How to Fall 999 Times and Still Win | EP 603
25 Apr 2025
In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Olympic silver medalist and skateboarding legend Tom Schaar, the first person in history to land a 1080—a mind-blowing three full spins mid-air. But Tom’s story isn’t just about defying gravity. It’s about defying doubt, embracing failure, and staying grounded while the world spins around you.At just 12 years old, Tom did what no one had ever done in skateboarding. But what most people didn’t see were the 999 failed attempts it took to get there. In this intimate and inspiring conversation, Tom opens up about the mental discipline behind his success, how he handles fear, the evolution of his mindset from prodigy to pro, and what keeps him pushing limits even after Olympic podiums.Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to overcome a personal hurdle—this conversation is for you.Click here for the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/tom-schaar-how-to-fall-999-times-and-still-win/Join the Ignition Room!Join the new Passion Struck Community! - The Ignition Room: https://station.page/passionstruckKey Takeaways: What landing the first 1080 really required—physically and mentally Why failure isn’t a setback but a prerequisite to growth How Tom manages fear and high-stakes pressure in competition The surprising truth about balance—on a board and in life What keeps him grounded and hungry after Olympic glory How the mindset of micro-improvement has fueled his entire career For more information on Tom Schaar: https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/tom-schaarSponsors: Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF” Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.” Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.” Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.” Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit. Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.Speaking Engagements & WorkshopsAre you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.Episode Starter PacksWith over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.Catch More of Passion Struck: My solo episode on The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve Can't miss my episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering My episode with The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter Catch my interview with Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World Listen to my solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.How to Connect with John: Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles Follow him on Instagram at @John_R_Miles Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips Channel For more insights and resources, visit John’s website Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Full Episode
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At the end of the day, I'm very lucky that this gets to be my job. And I remind myself of that every day, not to ever really lose my mind over skating or anything like that. I do take it pretty seriously. And I do try and do the best that I can always. But my job is what I wanted to do when I was a kid. So I'm very lucky in that aspect of it.
But I think a lot of random little kids will come up to me at the skate park and They tell me how cool it is that I get to do this as my job, and that always reminds me that I'm very lucky that I'm not doing something else. Hopefully, if someone watches me skate, it can bring them a little bit of joy or try and inspire kids to be better. I'll try my best to be a good example.
Welcome to Passion Struck. Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself.
If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become Passion Struck. Welcome to Passion Struck episode 603.
Whether this is your first time tuning in or you've been with us for a while, thank you for joining a movement that's all about defying limits, living with intention, and making what truly matters matter most. Now, let me ask you something. What does it take to defy gravity?
literally and metaphorically what happens when a 12 year old doesn't just dream big but becomes the first person in the world to land a trick that even the pros thought was impossible and how do you evolve when the moment that made you famous becomes just the beginning Today, we're answering those questions and more with my guest, Tom Schaar. Tom is not just a legend in the making.
He's already made history. He's the first skateboarder ever to land a 1080-degree spin, the youngest X Games gold medalist, the youngest Dew Tour and Vans Pool Party champion, and most recently, a silver medalist at the Paris Olympics. But behind these milestones is a mindset that goes far beyond skateboarding, a fearless dedication to growth, resilience, and reinvention.
In today's conversation, we dive into what it really felt like to land that historic 1080, how Tom manages fear, and why it's part of the process. The mindset shift from prodigy to Olympic medalist, how to stay grounded when the spotlight hits, and the power of redefining success over and over again. But this episode isn't just about gravity-defying tricks.
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