Who Invented the Ollie Impossible? Unpacking the Origins of a Revolutionary Skateboarding Trick
The world of skateboarding is filled with gravity-defying maneuvers, each with its own unique history and innovators. Among these, the "Ollie Impossible" stands out as a particularly mesmerizing and challenging trick. For many, the question arises: **Who invented the Ollie Impossible?** The answer, like many groundbreaking achievements in skateboarding, isn't a single, straightforward name, but rather a story of evolution, inspiration, and a touch of shared brilliance.The Genesis: Building on the Ollie
Before we can talk about the Impossible, we *must* talk about the Ollie. Invented by **Alan "Ollie" Gelfand** in the late 1970s, the Ollie is the fundamental pop-off maneuver that allowed skateboarders to get their boards into the air without their hands. This was a game-changer, the bedrock upon which countless other tricks would be built. Without Gelfand's Ollie, the Impossible, and many other aerial tricks, simply wouldn't exist.The "Impossible" Takes Shape
The "Impossible" trick, in its essence, is an ollie where the skateboard rotates 360 degrees *underneath* the rider's feet, often with the rider seeming to "kick" the board around them. The real magic and complexity lie in how the board is guided through this seemingly impossible arc. The credit for first conceptualizing and landing the "Impossible" is widely attributed to **Rodney Mullen**. Mullen, a skateboarding prodigy and arguably the most influential skater of all time, is responsible for inventing or popularizing an astonishing number of modern street skating tricks. He is renowned for his innovative approach to skateboarding, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. Mullen is widely credited with developing and landing the Ollie Impossible in the early to mid-1980s. His dedication to experimentation and his incredible board control allowed him to string together movements that were previously unimaginable. He wasn't just performing tricks; he was redefining movement on a skateboard.Mullen's Genius and the Evolution of the Trick
Rodney Mullen's approach to the Impossible was characterized by its fluidity and the way he seemed to weave the board around his body. He would initiate an ollie, and then, using subtle shifts in weight and foot placement, guide the board in a circular motion beneath him. The trick requires an immense amount of coordination, timing, and understanding of how the board reacts to the rider's input. It's important to note that skateboarding is often a collaborative and iterative process. While Mullen is credited with inventing the trick as we know it, other skaters were undoubtedly experimenting with similar movements. However, Mullen's documented footage and his consistent demonstration of the trick solidified his claim as the inventor. He didn't just do it once; he refined it and showcased its potential, inspiring generations to follow.Why is it Called the "Impossible"?
The name "Impossible" is quite literal. When riders first saw the trick being performed, it looked so unnatural and gravity-defying that it seemed physically impossible to achieve. The way the board rotates around the rider's legs without them explicitly grabbing it or kicking it in a conventional manner left onlookers amazed and somewhat bewildered. The moniker perfectly captured the awe and disbelief that the trick inspired.The Legacy of the Ollie Impossible
Today, the Ollie Impossible remains a staple of advanced street skateboarding. It has been varied and combined with other tricks, leading to even more complex variations. Skaters like Tony Hawk, Paul Rodriguez, and countless others have performed their own interpretations of the Impossible, further solidifying its place in skateboarding history. So, while Alan "Ollie" Gelfand gave us the fundamental Ollie, it was **Rodney Mullen** who took that foundation and, through sheer innovation and artistry, invented the mesmerizing and aptly named Ollie Impossible.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does a skateboarder perform an Ollie Impossible?
Performing an Ollie Impossible involves initiating a standard ollie, but then using subtle hip and foot movements to guide the board in a full 360-degree rotation underneath the rider's feet. It requires exceptional board control and timing to prevent the board from flipping out or falling away.
Why is the Ollie Impossible so difficult?
The difficulty stems from the unnatural motion required to make the board rotate around the rider's body without the assistance of hands or a direct kick. It demands precise weight distribution and a deep understanding of how to manipulate the board's momentum and trajectory in mid-air.
What came first, the Ollie or the Impossible?
The Ollie came first. Alan "Ollie" Gelfand is credited with inventing the Ollie in the late 1970s. The Ollie Impossible was later invented by Rodney Mullen, building upon the foundation of the Ollie.
Are there any variations of the Ollie Impossible?
Yes, there are many variations. Skaters have developed tricks that combine the Impossible with grabs, flips, or other rotational elements, pushing the trick's complexity and visual appeal even further.
