Phil Shao
American professional skateboarder and journalist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phil Shao (December 28, 1973 - August 23, 1998) was a goofy-footed professional skateboarder and journalist from Redwood City, California.[1][2][3][4] Before his death, Shao was to be the next editor-in-chief of Thrasher magazine.[5][6]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | December 28, 1973 San Dimas, California |
| Died | August 23, 1998 (aged 24) Arcata, California |
| Sport | |
| Country | U.S. |
Skateboarding career
Shao was featured in many skate magazines including Thrasher Magazine, Big Brother Skateboard Magazine, Skateboarder Magazine, TransWorld Skateboarding.[7][8] Shao graced the July 1996 cover of Thrasher magazine with a smith grind on the top rail at Fort Miley.[9][10] Shao was known as a master of many different styles of skating including street and vert.[11] Jake Phelps refers to Shao as "Hosoi and the Gonz in one dude."[12]
Shao appeared in many skateboarding videos in his career, traveling the world to skateboard.[13][4] His last video was "Dedications" from Think Skateboards, released shortly before his death.[14][15]
Skate video parts
Journalism
Thrasher Magazine
In addition to skating, Shao worked at Thrasher magazine as a copy editor.[14] Shortly before his untimely death, Phil was informed he was to be named Editor of Thrasher Magazine.[1][2] After Shao's passing, Jake Phelps stayed on as Editor-in-chief.[17]
Death
On August 23, 1998, Phil Shao died in a car accident in Arcata, California.[14]
Phil Shao Memorial Skate Park
In the summer of 2003, Redwood City collaborated with Phil's friends and family to build a skatepark dedicated to Phil called the Phil Shao Memorial Skate Park. The park is a 13,000 square foot skatepark with 5 bowls, rails, and ledges.[18]
Personal life
Shao had an English degree from the University of California at Berkeley.[19][2]