Athletes - Mike Vallely

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	Athletes - Mike Vallely

Mike Vallely, a.k.a. Mike V, (born June 29, 1970 in Edison, New Jersey) is a professional skateboarder who resides in Long Beach, California. His career began in 1986. He was first featured on the cover of Thrasher Magazine performing a Sad Ho-Ho Plant. Lance Mountain recognized Vallely's talent and upon his recommendation, he was sponsored by Powell Peralta.

His World Industries Barnyard deck is credited for the evolution of the skateboard shape to the current popsicle shaped deck which is ubiquitous today in street skating. The Barnyard featured straight rails, not unlike a freestyle deck, and a kicked nose which resembled the tail, giving the board an almost symmetrical shape.

Past sponsors have included Powell Peralta, World Industries, Venture Trucks, Destroyer Trucks, Tracker Trucks, TV Skateboards, Black Label Skateboards, Transit Skateboards, Vallely Skateboards, Etnies, and Accel Wheels.

In a 1987 copy of Transworld Skateboarding Magazine, the Gonz and Natas were seen pointing to a young, up-and-coming pro by the name of Mike Vallely. While the two vetern pros were really pointing to a 'recently busted nose' on Vallely's face, skaters from around the world interpreted these pictures to represent Mike's acceptance into their elite street skating clique. As Vallely explains in the Etnie's short film Sponsored, this photo would put him on the 'map' of skateboarding at the time, and accordingly, make room for the growth and further acceptance of street style.

He currently rides for Destructo Trucks, Element Skateboards and footwear, SoBe, and Speed Metal Bearings

Songs by his band Mike V & The Rats can be heard in the video games Tony Hawk's Underground ("The Days"), Tony Hawk's Underground 2 ("Never Give Up"), and Tony Hawk's American Wasteland ("Vendetta").

He is married to Ann and has two daughters, Emily and Lucy.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Mike Vallely ]

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Athletes - Mike Vallely

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