Senior Men Inline National Champion Jarrett Paul
The 2010 Senior Men Indoor Inline National Champion Jarrett Paul was kind enough to take time to answer a few questions for Inline Speed Skater.
How does it feel to be a Champion?
It’s an amazing feeling to have all the hard work finally pay off. I think I’m still in a state of awe though. I’m happy but not satisfied, ha ha, I’m not exactly sure if that’s what i should be feeling.
What attracted you to inline speed skating?
I actually just fell into it when i was about 6 yrs old. My cousin starting skating in the 90′s and suggested it to my father. I instantly fell in love. I am an adrenaline junkie, and nothing has satisfied that hunger more than skating. There’s just something about entering a corner on fresh plastic, hitting an 8.4 second lap, feeling gravity attempting to pull your body out of the corner, but you control it, and it only seems to take you even faster around the corner. It’s something I’ve never felt before and have never been able to recreate in any other sport.
What are some of your biggest moments in your career so far?
Well for one, winning nationals is probably the most rewarding accomplishment to date. I just recently skated the NSC Tribulation 4 and won the 300m. That was big for me only because it validated to everyone that I should be racing the pros.
What does it take to succeed as a speed skater?
To succeed as a speed skater you have to make this your priority. It’s not a hobby it’s a lifestyle. This sport takes more dedication then most will ever understand.
What advice can you give to anyone interested in becoming a inline speed skater?
Try to get in touch with a known coach and join a speed team. Once you do that the rest is up to you. Give nothing less than 100% every time you train and you will achieve any goal you set forth.
What is next for Jarrett Paul?
Well at the moment I have the US trials coming up this week. My next goal is to make the US World Team and bring home a gold from Colombia in October. Once i accomplish my goals for inline speed skating I plan to move to Salt Lake City to pursue an Olympic dream.
Which skating products we’ll always find in your skate bag?
Ha ha, an over abundance of wheels not even close to necessary (you never know when they’ll come in handy lol). I try to keep extra uniforms, buckles, mounting bolts, axles, so on and so forth. You have to be prepared for the unexpected at all times.
What are your favorite speed skating meets or destinations?
This is going to be kind of bias, but of course the Tampa Classic. I absolutely love our floor. I really hope we get the Las Vegas invitational going once again. I Just recently skated the NSC in Federal Way, which is now my favorite floor in the country. It’s by far the fastest 100m floor I’ve ever skated on.
How do you manage to balance your speed skating career with school and being a young adult?
During the fall semester it’s really not bad balancing skating and school. Once the spring semester starts, it’s all downhill. There are too many races and not enough time. I actually stop going to school to pursue skating full-time. If I didn’t have to work to survive I could make school work. Until then, it’s training and work.
What are some of the lessons and disciplines inline speed skating has thought you as a person?
Speed Skating has taught me that if you set a goal, you must give 100% of yourself to obtain whatever it is you’ve set out to accomplish. Now if i can only apply it to the rest of my life I would be good.. ha ha
Will you be defending your title at next years indoor nationals? Thinking of skating Pro?
Next season I will most definitely skate Pro at nationals. Hopefully i won’t have a choice in the matter. I plan on making the US World Team and if/when that happens, i will have to skate Pro regardless.
Anything you would like to say to all your speed skating freinds out there?
I would just like to say that anything and everything is possible in this sport as well as every other aspect of your life as long as you believe, and are willing to put forth the effort.. After taking a year off I was able to make a come back in one season to win nationals, compete in the NSC, and be in contention for a position on the US World Team. Basically what I’m saying is, don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. We are capable of amazing things if we have the confidence in ourselves to do so.