Born: 1950s
Biography:
Tina Trefethen, a legendary figure in the world of skateboarding, was born in the 1950s. She gained fame and adoration for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport during the 1970s. Trefethen’s captivating performances and dedication solidified her position as an icon and trailblazer in the skateboarding community, particularly in freestyle skateboarding.
Trefethen’s journey in sports began at a young age, where she showcased her natural talent and fearlessness. As a teenager, she demonstrated her versatility by excelling in various disciplines. Alongside her skateboarding prowess, Trefethen also shone as a champion hang glider. At the age of 17, she achieved acclaim by winning the 1975 World Hang Gliding Championships in Austria. This early taste of victory set the stage for Trefethen’s future accomplishments and firmly established her as a force to be reckoned with.
While Trefethen’s skills in hang gliding displayed her penchant for high-flying activities, her passion for skateboarding took center stage. She became well-known for her graceful and flexible freestyle maneuvers, capturing the attention and admiration of fellow enthusiasts. Trefethen’s talent and determination earned her a featured spot in Jim O’Mahoney’s photographs for Skateboard* magazine’s handbook titled Freestyle Skateboard Tricks. Her inclusion in the publication aimed to showcase the women’s maneuvers and add diversity to the discipline.
In addition to her freestyle talent, Trefethen became a formidable competitor in the racing aspect of skateboarding. She participated in slalom events, displaying her speed and agility on the board. At the Huntington Pier City Contest in May 1975, she secured notable achievements, finishing second in both the women’s slalom and freestyle events. Such successes propelled her into the limelight, earning her appearances on popular television shows like the Perry Como Show and the Lake Tahoe Holiday special.
Trefethen’s dedication to skateboarding continued to yield remarkable results. In May 1976, she secured a respectable third place in the Magic Mountain Masters Women’s Slalom event. The following year, she defended her title as the National Skateboard Championships’ reigning champion. This noteworthy accomplishment earned her recognition and further bolstered her status as a top skateboarder in the industry.
However, tragedy struck Trefethen’s career in 1978 when she experienced a devastating accident during the Signal Hill Speed Run. Despite her remarkable skills and speed, mechanical problems caused her to crash into a pole after crossing the finish line. The accident resulted in severe injuries, including broken wrists and ribs. To save her life, doctors had to remove one of her lungs. This life-altering event marked the end of Trefethen’s active skateboarding career but not her enduring impact on the sport’s history.
Following her accident, Trefethen transitioned into a new phase of life, forever cherishing each day and questioning the path she might have taken had the accident not occurred. Her remarkable survival and positive outlook inspired many and served as a testament to her resilient spirit. In 2013, the documentary The Signal Hill Speed Run premiered, documenting the race in which she had her accident. Trefethen attended the event’s premiere, radiating strength and gratitude for life.
Tina Trefethen’s contributions to skateboarding and her impact on the sport’s history have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, she was honored as a 2021 inductee into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of skateboarders, especially women, who continue to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of the sport.
Awards:
– 2021 Skateboarding Hall of Fame inductee.