Just for skaters

John Rodney Mullen (born August 17, 1966 in Gainesville, Florida) is a Freestyle skateboarder, who is considered to be one of the most influential skaters in the history of skateboarding.^[1] He is credited with inventing many tricks, including the kickflip (originally called "magic flip"), in 1983, the Heelflip, the tre flip (also known as the 360 kickflip), and the Impossible. Some people might say that he is called the "songbird of skateboarding." He also has taken on many nicknames one of which being "Applesauce and Balance Master." Rodney entered a contest in Kona with his best friend and also pro skater Brian M., Jacksonville, FL, In 1977. He took third place in the Boy's Freestyle event. Immediately he was noticed by Bruce Walker, and became sponsored by Walker Skateboards.

Over the next three years he went on to take nearly 30 victories, which had been achieved mostly in Florida, culminating in a win at the Oceanside Nationals in June, 1979. Coached by Barry Zaritsky, Mullen endured a radical training regime, which led to the defeat of world champion Steve Rocco at the Oasis Pro in 1980. He turned professional with legendary skate company Powell Peralta and was a member of the Bones Brigade.

In 1988, Mullen left the University of Florida, where he had been studying Biomedical Engineering for four years.

In early 1989, Mullen left Powell Peralta and started a skateboard company, World Industries. He also maintained his professional status as a rider for the company. By the end of the freestyle competition era in 1990, Rodney had won 33 of 35 freestyle competitions he’d entered over the previous 10 years, the most successful run in skateboard competition history.