Tiago Lemos: From the Streets of Jaguariúna to the Pinnacle of Skateboarding

We know Tiago Lemos today as the king of pop—the street skating powerhouse known for clearing obstacles that seem impossible to most. A global icon with a signature New Balance shoe and a coveted spot on Paul Rodriguez’s elite Primitive Skateboards team, Tiago’s current status is the stuff of legend. But his journey began far from the bright lights and big sponsors.

Tiago grew up in the humble town of Jaguariúna, Brazil—whose name fittingly translates to “river of the black jaguars.” Life was far from easy. Raised in poverty, Tiago found joy and freedom flying handmade kites with friends, and eventually, in a beat-up skateboard that became his escape. With skateboarding as a lifeline, he spent his youth chasing tricks and chasing hope, often skating for 12 hours straight on an empty stomach, crashing wherever he could find shelter in the city’s harsh streets.

His story is one of raw resilience. A dreamer who kept pushing, kept believing, and kept rolling—thanks to the support of tight-knit friendships and an unwavering inner fire.

In this special episode of Skate Tales, host Madars Apse travels to Brazil to peel back the layers of Tiago’s untold story. From sleeping rough to skating smooth, Madars reconnects with Tiago’s childhood crew—Kaue Cossa, Fabio Castilho, Sandro Sobral, and Lucas Nascimento—to trace the roots of one of the most inspiring underdog journeys in modern skateboarding. It’s a celebration of grit, talent, loyalty, and the deep friendships that helped turn a small-town kid into a world-class skateboarding icon.


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