GARNIER SETS SIGHTS ON SECOND WORLD TITLE

At the World Finals of Red Bull Street Style 2008, Arnaud “Séan” Garnier from France took on the best freestyle footballers on the planet and won. Since then, his life has changed, as he jets around the globe performing at freestyle demos and competitions in all four corners of the world. With the National Qualification Tournaments for Red Bull Street Style 2010 in full swing, Séan took time out of his busy schedule to tell us about new styles, the development of freestyle football and why he will be the man to beat at the 2010 World Finals in Cape Town.

Séan, less than a year ago you were just a freestyle footballer with a dream of being the best in the world. What has changed since you won Red Bull Street Style 2008 at the World Finals in São Paulo?

I am the champion of Red Bull Street Style and my life has changed because now all the people recognise me in the street in France and all over the world, so it is really good for me and my life. Now I’ll try to win a second time.

The National Qualification Tournaments are well underway in countries around the globe. What are your expectations for the 2010 World Finals in South Africa?

In South Africa the competition will be harder because I think all the people have seen the new videos on redbullstreetstyle.com and they have learned new combinations and new tricks. I think I must improve a lot to win for a second time.

Since becoming Red Bull Street Style champion last year you have had the chance to perform in many countries. In your opinion, which country has the highest standard of freestyle skills?

For me the best country is France because all the freestylers have style, but Poland is good, Holland is good and Japanese guys are really good.

You received your trophy from Edgar Davids in 2008. What impact do you think his role in Red Bull Street Style has had on the freestyle football community in general?

Edgar Davids is the best ambassador for Red Bull Street Style because a lot of
people know about freestyle through the publicity he has generated. He has tried to develop the freestyle scene and I think that is good for the young people.

Is there any camaraderie between freestylers, or is the competition as tough as in other sports?

I think freestyle is now one big family because all of the freestylers know each other, but as far as the competition goes I think it will now become more like football or basketball.

Two years is a long time in sport. Do you think the standards will be higher in South Africa than last time in Brazil?

I think the level will be higher because there is the Internet with lots of videos – we can watch new videos and new tricks every day. That means we can also copy new tricks, but I think the winner of the competition will be the guy with a new style – I have a new style in my bag, but I’m keeping it for 2010!

Do you have a particular routine when you prepare for a battle? Do you have any superstitions, for example?

The most important thing I want to establish first is the relationship between me and the audience: it is really important for me to capture the audience’s attention and see if they like my show, the music – it’s really important to be in time with the rhythm. Those are the little things I want.

What have you been doing in order to be ready to defend your title in 2010?

I have been training a lot to prepare myself, but last year I did loads of shows in many countries, so I didn’t really have time to focus full on my training. Now I will train and go to the gym and try to get inspired for new stuff and a new style to come back in South Africa and show what I can do.

So, one last question: who will win Red Bull Street Style 2010?

I think I will win again. If you want to battle against me, sign up at redbullstreetstyle.com for the Red Bull National Qualifiers. Peace.