Skateboarder Leo Baker is aiming for their first Olympics as the sport makes it debut at the Tokyo Games. Baker is a seven-time X Games medalist in street skateboarding, and 2017, was nominated for an ESPY award.
As part of our preparation for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, NBC Olympics sent questionnaires to a wide range of athletes to learn more about their lives on and off the field of play.
Here’s some of what we learned about Leo Baker:
Tell us about your family. My father was a well-known musician, Marshall Rohner, but he wasn't around much. I was raised by my mom Donna, with my sister April and brother Chris. I have a half-brother on my dad's side who's only nine months younger than me. We look very similar and he is also a talented skateboarder. I didn't know I had a half-brother until I was 8 years old, when we met. We competed together a lot when we were teenagers in amateur competitions. I have a partner, Mel, that I live with in New York.
What has your parents’ influence been on your athletic career? My mom was really involved and supportive of my skating since a young age. She took me to all my competitions when I was young. She always encouraged me to "have fun, expect nothing, be grateful, be humble." She never pressured me to win or be competitive, it was always about doing my best and having fun. I'm grateful for that.
How much do you train? How much do you sleep? I wake up around 8, usually skate first thing. I have gym time three to four times a week where I focus on strength training, stability mixed in with physical therapy stuff for the ankles.
What’s your earliest memory of skateboarding? I was 3 when I stepped on a skateboard. I fell in love with skating. I still feel the same about it.
Did you have a specific breakthrough moment? No. I've been competing at the highest level for skateboarding for a long time. When they announced that skateboarding was going to be in the Olympics, I figured I'd have a high chance at getting there.
What would you change about your sport? Nothing. I love skateboarding the way it is. As far as the industry goes, the pay discrepancy has been really harsh for a really long time.
What advice would you give to a young athlete? Always have fun. Skateboarding is not about winning. It's about creativity and it’s about being an individual. It's about self-expression.
What’s your music of choice while training? Lady Gaga and Metallica