SAN FRANCISCO - Legends have a presence about them. They need no introduction. No fanfare. Their sheer presence alone is enough to draw people's attention. People will travel far miles to see them at their "craft." People love legends.

"True" legends carry themselves in a certain manner. They do not draw attention to themselves or their actions. They maintain their composure and command respect.

On Saturday, skateboard living legend Tony Hawk came onto Piers 30-32 to make a triumphant return to the X Games. He (and Vert doubles teammate Andy Macdonald) skated away with gold, but Hawk's loyal fans were left with a lasting impression. And his presence alone was enough to make spectators rise to their feet.

"Tony is only reason I came out today, " said one fan. "He is the reason I took up skating. His style is so smooth style to his skating, it looks like he is not even trying."

Andy Mac gets a helping hand from Hawk.

The crowd roared when Hawk skated down the ramp, even before he did his first trick. He received a standing ovation during the vert practice. Spectators knew he was there, and that they were witnessing a historical moment. The crowd stood in awe as the duo dazzled the standing-room-only spectators with their choreographed routines.

The moment was special to hardcore skate fans, because the idol they adore had returned to his stage.

"When I heard that Tony would be competing today, I drove twp hours to get here this morning, and stood in line to get into the pier," said one fan. "Tony is a god to everybody who skates. I brought my board to get it autographed."

It is unknown whether this fan got his board signed, but his enthusiasm and admiration for Hawk was clearly evident.

Hawk gave fans a reason for optimism. When asked during a press conference about his retirement, Hawk said, "I just stopped competing. I never said I retired."

Even Hawk's own competitors express fan-like emotions. Vert Doubles competitor Pierre-Luc Gagnon said, "I used to look up to him when I was young. I was not even skating and he was already making up moves. It is an honor to skate with him."

Gagnon's doubles partner, Max Dufour added, "It was cool to skate with him. I am happy to be skating with him cause he is a legend."

Hawk, responding to a question on whether skateboarding has become too commercialized, said, "There are still people who love skating and just skate for the sheer love of the sport."

Saturday, he did just that.

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