Ali Boulala

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Ali Boulala
Ali Boulala
Born	January 28, 1979 (1979-01-28) (age 29) Stockholm, Sweden
Occupation	Professional skateboarder

Ali Boulala (born January 28, 1979) is a professional skateboarder who rides for Flip Skateboards, Flip Clothing, Independent trucks and Flip wheels. He is known for his relaxed but flamboyant style and filmed notable parts in the Flip videos Sorry and Really Sorry, Osiris "Subject to Change" and also appeared in numerous Baker skateboards videos.

1 Biography
- 1.1 Shane Cross accident
- 1.2 Fashion icon
2 Video Appearances
- 2.1 Upcoming video projects
3 References

[edit] Biography

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Boulala is of Algerian and Swedish (his mother is Finnish Raija Boulala) descent.

His approach to skateboarding concentrates on the unusual or unobvious, preferring to skate unfilmed spots and experiment with tricks. He is also famous for his unprecedented attempt at ollieing a twenty-five stair in France. During this attempt, he wore a bicycle chain as a belt (causing severe lacerations to his hips), and managed to break both of his ankles. This famous attempt was featured in Flip Skateboard's 2002 video release, Sorry. He is also famous for having a part in all of the Baker Skateboard Videos.

Swedish-born Boulala has pioneered skating manoeuvres, featured in skateboarding videos, featured on the front cover of Transworld Skateboarding magazine and designed his own shoes. About 100,000 skateboards have been sold carrying his name since he turned professional in 1997.

He has a pro shoe with Etnies which features the thinnest cupsole from Etnies with G2 gel.

[edit] Shane Cross accident

On March 6, 2007, Boulala was the rider of a motorcycle in an accident that killed Flip Skateboards amateur Shane Cross. When Boulala arrived at a hospital, his injuries were too severe for him to be kept conscious and he was placed in a medically induced coma until his vital signs and health stabilized.

Cross's parents decided not to press charges; they only wanted Ali to resume a normal life.

Flip's website announced that Ali has now been upgraded to an out-patient. As of Sunday the 24th of June, Ali has been staying in his new apartment just around the corner from the hospital. He will be cared for by his girlfriend and will have doctor visits throughout the week. He will still be reporting to the hospital for physiotherapy three times a week. Ali is now walking completely unassisted and was last seen at a party with a bad limp.

In April 2008 Boulala pleaded guilty to one count of culpable driving. He was jailed for four years with a non-parole period of two years and disqualified from driving in Victoria for three years. The judge in the case mentioned that the long term injuries to Ali will act as punishment for the accident.

The accident was caused when he smashed into the wall of the Tramway Hotel on March 7, 2007. A rising superstar, Cross, 20, was a pillion passenger on the bike.

Boulala had a blood alcohol concentration of .162 and Cross, who died in hospital, had a blood alcohol level of .18. Neither of the men were wearing helmets. Boulala and Cross had earlier been at city nightspot the Cherry Bar. They then went to a friends house and drank beer. County Court Judge Sue Pullen said Boulala slammed into the hotel wall at an estimated 30km/h about 1.05am after doing two to three laps around the block.

The pro-skater suffered a severe brain injury in the accident and has not been able to return to skateboarding or motorbike riding.

Judge Pullen said the crash was a tragedy.

Before the crash, Cross was overheard twice telling Boulala he wanted to go for a ride on the motorbike. Boulala wouldn't let Cross go because he didn't have a helmet, Judge Pullen said.

"You were therefore aware of the potential ramifications," Judge Pullen said.

"You threw caution to the wind at a later stage on this evening."

Judge Pullen said Cross had his whole life to look forward to and his family had suffered enormously as a result of Boulala's conduct. Cross was regarded as one of Australia's most talented skateboarders. It is understood he had signed to star in a video game.

Boulala spent more than three months in hospital and suffered post-traumatic amnesia for 65 days. By the time he was discharged from hospital he was able to walk 200m without a walking aid.

He was likely to be permanent affected by the injuries he sustained, Judge Pullen said. There was a question mark over whether he would ever be able to get on a skateboard again, she said.

Judge Pullen said Boulala had a reduced range of movement, strength and co-ordination and suffered spasticity in his lower right leg. He still has trouble putting on his shoes and getting out of the shower.

Boulala, 29, has been living in Richmond with his Australian girlfriend since he was released from hospital. Boulala arrived in Australia in November, 2006, to film a skateboarding video.

Boulala and Cross, from the Gold Coast, were best mates and travelled the world skateboarding, Judge Pullen said.

"Prior to this offence you were a person of good character. You were also a role model, as was Shane Cross."