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GERMANY IT’S By: Chris DeNike |
Recently I interviewed two Pro Blader’s from Germany, Bruno Lowed and Matteo Attanasio. I was stoked to have the opportunity to ask them a few questions and get the skinny on their adventurous lives. Both Mateo Attanasio who is 23 and from Hanover, and Bruno Lowe who is 18 years old and from Munich have been blading since they were 13. with style. | Matteo who is sponsored by K2 and Red Bull typically participates in both the street and ramp competitions also has his own video company (www.Colorvideo.de) where he can be found providing video footage and editing services while he is not skating. He has been on his own since he was17 and is making it because he loves what he is doing. | Like most parents, his pressured him to continue on with school (In Germany you typically finish high school when you are 15 or 16) however, Mateo choose his own path. | He is a smart guy who believes that "his success’ will continue because he has fun while doing what he’ does". Believe it or not Matteo has more responsibilities at age 23 than most will ever have including; 2 kids (2 1/2 months and 8), a home, his Professional skating, his own business and plenty of friends. His motto is "You just have to go for it if you want things." | Bruno Lowe who is sponsored by K2 and Senate participates in Street Competitions. Bruno spends his summer days skating with friends, partying, eating and sleeping. During the colder months you might find Bruno Skiboarding. | Skiboarding is a cross between Rollerblading and Snowboarding. Basically the sport allows you to create your own style while giving you the freedom to take more chances because your landings are typically soft. Watching Bruno skate was exciting because he is the type of athlete who pulls off the hardest tricks | As far as contests go both of these guys enjoy the European tour over any of the others. When they are away from their own turf, there is more pressure on them to compete and to win. When they are competing at home the competitions are less restrictive and therefore more fun. | The most popular and biggest contest in Europe is "Lausanne". Located in Switzerland this contest can bring in as many as 9000 spectators and 900 competitors. Basically it is like a huge party where everyone gets together to blade, socialize and have a good time. Contests like the Gravity Games and the X-Games are made for television, they’re great for exposure and if you win great for cash. | Another big difference between the contests in Europe and. the contests in the states are the fans. In the United States the fans look at the athletes as idols where in Europe they look at us like just regular guys and girls who are having a good time together. | And finally, in the U.S. you have to behave, you can’t let loose and party like we can in Europe. The competitions that focus on the money tend not to be as fun as the ones that focus on performance, but we have to make a living so we try our hardest and hope for the best. | Recently, in the European Championships Bruno received second place in the street adults and Matteo took 7th in Vert Adults | Like many top athletes these guys are motivated through their passion for the sport. As Matteo puts it, "we’re not necessary more talented, it is that we are obsessed, we need it to live, we don’t feel good if we don’t do it." |
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GHRP. All rights reserved. 2003 |