Interviewed: Billy O'Neil

Tags: barcelona, billy oneil, conference, interview, usd

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Billy O'Neil got one of the worst scenario accidents in the last week during the Conference Tour in Barcelona. Be-mag have been there and interviewed Billy now, after some time went by and Billy could recap that for you...

So how /are/ you??

- im ok. Im limping around everywhere with crutches, but its alright. Nothing broken. I have 2 sprained ankles. The left one is in a cast because it was more of a major sprain than the right one. The left one was also dislocated but the doctor twisted it back into place. The right one was a minor sprain but I still cant walk on it right now. But im on the road to recovery.

Why did the video go online? Do you think it was a bad idea?

When I got out of the hospital they showed me the raw footage of the accident and I was like wow that was crazy. They asked me if they could put it online, so I said sure. After the video went online it obviously caused a big deal. There was a lot of backlashing at vinny and a lot also aimed at the conference saying it being used in poor taste for publicity. i understand why people feel like that, I would feel the same way, but I have to say there were no intentions like that behind it at all. It was shown how it happened and the black spots were put there by the editor to add to the intensity of the situation. Although some people believe putting it up is in bad taste, they would have never done it if I was seriously seriously injured.

What exactly happened?

-well I did the trick the first time and I was telling people to watch out for the street, meaning the first street and theyd say it was good so I straight jumped it and I was able to turn before the main street. Then the second time I jumped I did the same thing but I skated a lot faster, and I ended up getting more speed than I thought so even thought the first street was clear I couldn’t stop and it all happened so fast I didn’t think to slide. I looked in the street for a split second and I was in it and saw a car comin for me fast as hell. I fell back and kicked my feet out and it hit the front bumper then the car sent me back. I kneed myself in the nose, it started bleeding and I basically sat there in pain like wow this sucks. Then the ambulance came and the whole scene. Now im just waiting to get better.

What went to your mind at that moment?

Im pretty sure it was something along the lines of FUCK

How do you feel about that whole thing right now?

Well I wish it never happened, but I just wanna focus on getting better.

What injuries did you sustain from the accident?

2 sprained ankles, a dislocated ankle and a swift kick in the ass.

Any problems with the police, the driver or hospital?

I didn’t hear anything from the driver. The hospital was cool, just gotta pay a bill. the police were busting out chops at first too but they eased up.

Any shout outs or advice for kids skating street?

Seriously be careful. Obviously what had happened to me is avoidable, so just be aware it can happen and avoid it. Also, thanks for the support when the accident happened that means a lot to me. Peace.

Pictures

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Original size

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Comments

February 25th, 2008 @ 09:54 - by Bubsbapyquamb

FUCK. i checked out vinnys vid of it...dam looks harsh !

February 22nd, 2008 @ 15:32 - by ktownsk8

is that chris farmer wearing uggs what a queeeerrr!!

February 22nd, 2008 @ 07:15 - by Im FromThe Lou & Im P

Good to hear youre on the way to recovery! This vis just shocked!

February 22nd, 2008 @ 00:51 - by MissBehaviour

custom Bunique crutches coming soon...

February 21st, 2008 @ 23:37 - by i

kthnx!

February 21st, 2008 @ 17:48 - by cal cal

Noone touches my fish!

February 21st, 2008 @ 15:46 - by BoBthe1 BoBthe1

made me want to buy USDS!!! DUHH!!!!

February 21st, 2008 @ 13:41 - by Catscratch

damn son i was so pissed when i first saw that i was like wow my favorite skater of all time is donezo then i started thinking that if u got severly hurt/killed (god forbid) they wuddnt post it so i assumed it wasnt too bad after that buts its nice to get an official report.

p.s. i am so jealous u have that hoody and got it for free u get sponsored by other clothimng companies u get cheap iron tshirts for free
u get bunique sponsorship u get some of the freshest clothes out with the best quality - skating or non skating wise

February 21st, 2008 @ 13:15 - by electrodj

damnit man. Billy Oneil is one of the best skaters on earth and I have to say that seeing how much love and dedication he puts into skating is really inspiring, like all his sections are so tight. If something like this happened to me I'd have a completely worse additude about it. I think poeple like him should get health insurance and get paid way more for sure.

February 21st, 2008 @ 10:05 - by DeshiKicks