Oli Benet: One Minute One Spot

Tags: barcelona, oli benet, one minute one spot, one minute one spot xsjado, spain, theconference, uk, vimeo

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Oli Benet is one of those rare occurrences- a rollerblader born with a business brain. It takes a particular strength of character to manage a skate team- making business decisions affecting a group of friends is never an enviable task. Most who try it because it sounds cool are destined to fail, yet Oli has always found a way to make it work for him. He is an asset to Powerslide; blessed with impeccable, solid style and a very English sense of humour, he has brought fresh ideas to fruition while being one of the major promoters of rollerblading to a mass market. He also has rather questionable taste in hairstyles, but I could never hold that against him.

Intro by Guy Crawford
Edit by Mark Heuss
Images by Greg Mirzoyan (amongst others)

Three characteristics that describe you best: Generous, self-driven, passionate.

Oli Benet and his textbook true mistrals

Good advice you’ve been given: Be positive, and face trials and tribulations with a disarming smile. Take risks without fear of making mistakes, and If you do make mistakes, don't wallow in them, learn from them and drive on. Believe in yourself and your capabilities, generally you are capable of much more than you think.

Current set-up: The best looking Xsjado setup in the history of rolling. Green cuffs and soulplates, white mid plate, white famer shoes, white prototype UC wheels, Green and white Kizer Type-M frames, red toe strap.

Plans for this year: So far its been a travelsome year. I expect to travel to Hungary and Singapore in the next couple of months. I also have a really big music gig coming up in September, and am about to move into a new flat as well as coordinating a very exciting Conference project in Barcelona. Without a doubt my main plan this year is to push as hard as I can alongside my USD and Xsjado Europe and International riders. We really have turned into a family, thanks to our latest trips to Switzerland and the Show of Force Tour, but also for all these years I have been able to travel and get to know them all. Im really excited about getting better aquainted with the Hungarian contingent too.

Things you do when you’re not blading: Most of my life is focused on skating, I roll everywhere in my city, mainly on freeskates lately, (can't stand walking or public transport) and my days are spent on the computer, emailing and dealing with all things Conference. I also Dj weekly, home and abroad, and would like to get back into some music production but don't have time at the moment.

Oli with his other set-up: His DJ set up mixing some hot tunes

Reasons to smile: If you project happiness, people around you will project it back. You create the atmosphere you live in.

Inspirations: My parents, Matthias Knoll, my close friends and music.

Why do you rollerblade: It is my most favourite and rewarding sensation. Being able to rollerblade makes me feel blessed. 20 years since getting my first quads, I'm as in love with it as ever.

Best rolling edit you have seen in 2010 so far: Anything by Matty Watky.

Oli Benet with the USD Show of force crew in Spain

Best thing you did in your life so far: Lately, the Stimorol ad was an incredible experience for sure.

Rob G imitating Oli's moves on the Stimorol ad

A place you really want to travel to next: Russia, probably, to a massive trance or dnb party.

Three people you would love to skate with at your favourite spot: So many friends, especially from the UK, that I haven't seen in a long time.

One Amateur who should be pro: Iain Mcleod