articles : 2002 Asian X Games Qualifier, Kuala Lumpur
Ah...the X-games, theres nothing more maligned in the rollerblading industry than it. On one hand, we frown upon it and favor more street oriented, rollerblader supported competitions like the IMYTA and on the other, we celebrate the heroes it creates, such as 'too-many' times winner Aaron Feinberg. Whatever the case, when Malaysia was chosen to be the host for the next three Asian X-Games Qualifiers, I was extremely excited. Not only did it present the opportunity for us to have a world class competition right in our backyard, but also give us a great opportunity to rub shoulders with visiting pros.
Well, after a weeding out process which was the qualifiers in September 2001, the finals was scheduled for the 25th of February- 3rd March 2002 at the KLCC Park. I have to admit, having the twin towers shadowing the street course did add a sense of grandness to it all. Though parking was a bitch, the close proximity to the LRT station made it a great venue.
On the topic of X -Trials qualifiers, there was some controversy on the selection of the Malaysian team. Somehow, only those under the Kementrian Belia & Sukan (KBS) were allowed to compete. The rules were that ten Malaysian would get a spot in the finals, but some rollers (even those who actually qualified) were snubbed in favor of those in the KBS programme. I don't want to take any glory away from the KBS rollers as they are some of the best skaters in Malaysia, but many feel that it was unfair that those who qualified were not allowed to take part. I'm not 100% sure what the deal is with this arrangement, it didn't only affect to rollers, but other X-Games athletes.
ANYWAYS, enough seriousness. I had FUN during the X-Games. Yups, I must admit, I was skeptical, but it turned out great. Maybe it had something to do with the privileges I got with my 'media' access pass, but I still feel the overall vibe of the event was great. With my pass, I got to chill in the athletes tent rather than sweat in out in the uncovered bleachers (that is, if you can actually get a place to sit, it was that crowded). Unfortunately, the X-Games attracted more poyos (that's posers to me and you) decked out in sweaters (hello!? Bloody hot sun, what sweater you wearing all la?) than a Limp Bizkit/Eminem/whatever-is-cool-this-month concert.
That aside, I liked the professionalism that came with it, everyone knew what to do, and best of all, they stuck to the schedule, making it great for spectators. Among the pros that made it down were, Arlo Eisenberg, Azikiwee Anderson, Mike Opalek, Mike Giacinti, Chris Mitchell, Sam Fogarty, Ian Brown, Tom Sampson, Chiaki Ito, Ken Kitada, The Yasutoko Brothers, Jerasak Tassorn and a whole bunch more that slip my mind. Personally, getting to meet Arlo was a dream come true for me, so forgive me for letting it lend a rose tinted view to my perspective on the event.