There are only nominations from US shops, zines, photographers, events (okay, there’s one European event). But there have been lots of amazing events around the world, from the UK to Spain to Germany, as well as big events in Australia. If this is supposed to be taken seriously, it requires some work. Or consider calling this the US QSOTY, which is fine too. At least they said that people can now still nominate more skaters until the end of the first voting round on December 17th.
With regard to the Euro skaters Karli says: “This would purely be either a lack of video submissions or nominations. There are a number of skaters and brands from different countries up for various categories this year. We recognize there are certain areas of the world where skating is quite popular and progressing quickly, but they don’t always have access to filmers/editors to assist them with their video projects. It is a goal of ours to better support and aid these skaters with these resources. This is one of the reasons we expect to do a Fantom tour video each year while including different skaters from all over the world.”
When it comes to the general lack of video parts from Europe and other continents, there have definitely been fewer releases. If you, skaters from non-US countries, are reading this: You have to consider making video parts and submitting them if you want recognition. Don’t wait to be discovered.
Give projects time to establish themselves
This scene or industry in its present form is young. Many ideas are trial and error. It is really difficult to take all parameters into account from the outset, and you can’t please everyone. And there is also no need to exaggerate the importance of becoming the roller skater of the year at this early stage. But they can become fun and be good for the souls of the nominees.
Skating (and this applies to most wheel sports) is always personal taste. And that’s the great thing about it. It is difficult to make an objective decision, if not impossible. And it doesn’t have to be objective. If I want objectivity, I go watch javelin throw or speed skating.
