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1988: Pensacola World USA Medal Presentation
SANDRO GUERRA
I T A L I A

world rankings include:
1992: Mens Figs = 1
1991: Mens Comb = 1
1991: Mens Figs = 2
1991: Mens F/S = 2
1991: Mens Comb = 1
1989: Mens Figs = 1
1989: Mens F/S = 2

1989: Mens Comb = 1
1988: Mens Figs = 2

1988: Mens F/S = 2
1988: Mens Comb = 1
1987: Mens Figs = 2
1987: Mens F/S = 4
1987: Mens Comb = 1


1987: Auckland Worlds Long Program


1992: Tampa Worlds Closing Ceremony

1988: Pensacola Worlds Opening Ceremony

Previous months interviews:
Eric Anderson & Daniela Rhodas

Copyright © 2000 S.Guerra



This month we have taken time to interview and feature Sandro Guerra from Italia. Sandro is regarded in the Guinness Book World Records, as the most successful male Artistic Roller Skater since becoming World Champion in 1987... Sandro Guerra: 7 x world champion of Italia
Q1: How many years have you been actively involved in Artistic Roller Sports as a competitor and also choreographer?
A1: As competitor 16 years and as choreographer 8 years
Q2: You were one of the very few 'reverse' skaters to become World Champion, the last skater I remember was from Germany back in 1983, J.Helme who was amongst the top 3. Did you just feel it natural to rotate in this direction or were you told to skate in this way?
A2: In the beginning I was absolutely the last of my group..My coaches started to teach me the waltz jump in the right side but unfortunately nothing worked. After a few time the idea to try in the other side..and well it worked easily. That´s was a very good start for me because it permitted to build in me different basic motory and use indifferently all parts of my body (please try to understand what i would like to say...:)...)
Q3: If you had the opportunity to assist in the change of direction to assist the development of Artistic Roller Sports, what would it be?
A3: I wish the skating will develop in a professional circuit (but real professional) to promote the art of roller skating around the world. obviously that must be close the concept of show at all not just interested at the technical side but the spectacular one...the art of skating must come out and every country might work in that sense for the future. At the moment we are skating for a few people generally that are involved directly in our sport, and of course nobody are interested to invest a lot of money in one new difficult project.
Q4: Are you enjoying your time as a choreographer or did you prefer competing?
A4: I prefer choreographing it´s more interesting for me and in some way it's important to help the new skater to let them learn what the artistic roller skating is. Now it is always more important for everybody to be more complete as a skater..more than my days when we were really a few paying attention to the choreography. The only thing that I miss from the competition side is to meet other people and to visit other country. To compete for me it was in the end to much stress!
Q5: You are making quite a name for yourself with your unique style of choreography with many of the top skaters in the world who require your assistance in the construction of a program, do you plan in advance a program for skaters or do you impulsively choreograph?
A5: It depends from the skaters... there are some of them that are really interested to work together, usually they are the most biz personalities and I help that their personalities come out, usually I have a track in my mind anyway. I think that an artistic work must be considered in mind before. Then in the rink the technical work can have some modifications for to permit the skaters to express themselves at the best. To tell the truth I think that the exploring of the new possibilities of the roller skating choreography are just began. I hope in a new mentality in the future. The most difficult work for me is when I have put order in my mind the different ideas that come out and the compromises.
Q6: Can you share with us what is was like to work with one of the most famous Ice Skaters in history, Robin Cousins?
A6: My first meet with Robin was absolutely a dream for me. I was so nervous and I think that we were studied each other..he for the roller skating way of moving and me for how he could have adapted his way of choreograph to me..The results for me it was great..I´ve never show what he create for me to anybody..I consider it a gift he gave to me.
Q7: Your tour of Australia back in 1993 was a very gruelling trip because of the scorching heat.. do you have a most memorable moment of that trip?
A:7 I have a lot of fun!!!!! For sure, the photos..do you remember we were teaching all day...no rest at all..."rise and shine" then off to the disco...burgers in the deep night... the Gold Coast and Kirsten Murphy, and her funny bad words she taught me ( that l still remember of course)!!!!
Q8: Can you tell of any plans that you may have for the future that may involve any performances?
A8: My next project will be a show in theatre in October in Trieste were is planned to create a multimedia show with different arts and actually I´m just discussing with Robin Cousins in a new project that probably will incorporate roller skating too in a theatre production with his own company. We will see.
Q9: Do you think that there could be a market for a Pro-Curcuit in Aritstic skating, one that would tour the world? If so, what kind of performances do you think would be most suitable?
A9: Of course yes. I think that in the beginning the performances must be spectacular and for the audience. That´s the only chance we have at the moment to capture the attention..
Q10: When you competed, your free-leg during rotation was quite high, like your jumping technique. It was very spectacular to watch, do you prefer to see the freeleg high in rotation or low?
A10: The freeleg high is more difficult to control for sure. In ice skating the technique requested is low. Just my flip was high and in my opinion my freeleg during the rotation of the others jumps was quite low but I'm agree that just before the landing I put it up to come out.. For me to do triple jumps is it necessary the low one absolutely. That's about the technique side. In the other side if the freeleg is high and the upper-body posture is correct I´m agree is more spectacular.
Q11: Not only were you a great freeskater, you also won Figures on a number of occasions, so many so, that you are now listed in the Guinness Book of Records for holding the most World Championship Wins by a male including your combined Figs-F/s wins. That's incredible, how do you feel about that?
A11: It is a great honour for me to be included in the Guinness Book of Records!! It's nice to be remembered for what you have done with passion and love..
Q12: Any words of wisdom for the skaters of today????
A12: Skating is a very difficult complete sport. So many things are requested to become a good skater but the first one is for sure the passion..because at the moment it is the only thing we must have to go on for it..

Special thanks to Sandro for his time and effort in speaking with JSI..


Copyright © 2000 Jayson Sutcliffe International. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 22, 2001

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