INTERVIEW

http://www.jaysonsutcliffe.com/feature_08_samanthabennis.htm

2002 World Top 3's

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Jayson 2003

World No.1 Italia - Sylvia

USA - Aubrey Orcutt

Italia - Anna Ianucci

Argentina - Walter

Spain Inline Show

USA - AUS - TAIPEI

Holland - Dirk Pieter

This month I feature my first interview with an Inline Figure & Ice skating coach, Samantha Bennis, who runs the EIFSA , European Inline Figure Skating Association.

Samantha Bennis: Inline Figure skater supporter & coach - Europe

Q1: Your love, Inline Figure skating - where did that begin?

A1: When I had to train my pupil Dirk Pieter Hogerwerf on inlines in 2001 because we have no ice in the summer in Rotterdam, Holland.

Q2: Out of your love for the sport, EIFSA was born. Can you give us in brief, an outline of what EIFSA does and provides for the sport.

A2: The mission statement is: EUROPEAN INLINE FIGURE SKATING ASSOCIATION: Netherlands-based organization created to provide support and encouragement to ice/inline figure skaters in the Netherlands, Europe and around the world.

Q3: How did you feel when CIPA announced the news of Inline Figure skating being incorporated in to the scheduling for the World Artistic Championships?

A:3 Thrilled by their response to my FIRS message

Q4: In Europe at the moment, can you feel momentum for Inline building or are there obstacles in place that prevent such development and potential growth?

A4: Unfortunately in Europe most ARTISTIC roller sports federations are very QUAD conservative and are not very keen on seeing inline taking over like in speed and hockey. Inline figure skaters are still pretty much left to their own devices. However more and more ice skaters are resorting to the off-ice training option for speed, hockey and figure.

Q5: Outside of Europe, Inline may still be sitting on the flipside of roller, however - many Federations are embracing it as they see the rapid growth in interest from skaters on the International scene may fuel to generate new members amongst the younger skaters who participate in beginner classes on Inline skates. Do you believe that if implemented in to rinks more widely, that Inline could soon become one of the quickest growing disciplines?

A5: IT ALREADY IS THE QUICKEST GROWING DISCIPLINE!

Q6: How many members do you have on the EIFSA mailing list? The list certainly provides loads of information on a daily basis, about both Inline and Ice.. Do you receive much feedback from members?

A6: About 300! Yes. Many are writing privately for additional, extremely detailed, TECHNICAL information and others for open-hearted musings about their Skating & Life. Sometimes I chat on MSN: samantharollerskater@hotmail.com

Q7: Where would you like to see Inline Figure go? What is the ideal, or do you believe that at the moment it is heading in the right direction?

A 7: More PROFESSIONALISM! We are heading in the right direction! Coaches and Shows are forging the future of Inline Skating! How about "HOLIDAY ON INLINES", "CHAMPIONS ON INLINES" and "STARS ON INLINES" touring worldwide?

Q8: Do you believe that with the completion of all disciplines now on Inline - HOCKEY - SPEED & FIGURE, that now - the door is WIDE OPEN for the inclusion of INLINE at the Olympic Games?

A8: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Q9: Outside of the World Championships, do you know of any plans for an International competition for Inline that included dance, solo dance and freeskating?

A9: It is only a matter of time for INLINE PAIRS, TEAM & SOLO DANCE, PRECISION and SHOW to make their big entrance through CIPA and CEPA. More & more quad and ice skaters are giving it a try.

Q10: If you were asked to predict a likely scenario for the future of Inline Figure skating, what would it be inside of a five year period?

A10: I'm a CYBERNETIC WITCH and I only peek at my crystal ball or lay my Tarot cards for spiritual guidance and introspection. The internet noosphere is spiraling towards Omega and I believe that with the right information NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Thanks to DVD and other new techniques we will all exchange images, music and info that will enhance the development of Inline FIGURE at a vertiginous speed. We are all caught in that vortex! In the past every growth process took "ages" and nowadays I try to feed the lust for Technical INFO and Inspiration as a daily reality. Within the coming years ice and inline figure will grow closer and the quad conservatives will have to adapt or perish. [pictured: Samantha]

Q11: Are you celebrating your involvement in Inline now after all these years, finally, the sport is evolving and a future is clear..

A11: Yes! Every minute! Every day! It's a joyful commitment!

Q12: And your message to those reading this interview???

A12: May your body, heart and mind relish in the agony and the ecstasy of skating! Kindle the fire within and skate cool!

Thankyou very much Samantha, its been a pleasure doing your interview. Enjoy


Tammy Bryant - Kristen Slade - Lauren Smith - Erin Simpson - Sally Gilroy

Above: Some of Australia's hottest INLINE Freestyle & Dance Skaters in 2003!!

...and more skater from around the world who are taking to the world on INLINE..


Australia - Jayson	USA - Ely	Germany - show	Brazil - Adelia

Visit the Official Home of EIFSA here..


Spain - Show / Precision	Iran - inline	Spain - Art