Interviews like this one feel personal. Not only do we share the same nickname, but I have known Jojo Jacobi, the man behind Winterclash, since before he organized the first edition of the globally renowned competition series, when he actually visited one of the real street competitions I was throwing in the early 2000s. We shared more than a few drinks, went out and partied relentlessly and did stuff for rollerblading. I’m just not sure if we actually ever skated together.
Jochannes, which is Jojo’s given name, is actually a very soft spoken man, quiet and kind, his personality standing in strong juxtaposition to the chaos that is Winterclash. With this being the 13th edition of the comp, Jojo has become older and wiser, not falling for the same traps as he did years ago. While some of you might find his perspective a bit gloom and pessimistic, don’t be fooled. His incredible love for rollerblading keeps both him and the event going, and luckily, will keep it going in the years to come. He’s a man who knows where he’s coming from and where he’s going. Just looking at him is like feeling the pulse of where rollerblading is going. So, here’s the Jojo Jacobi interview, discussing Winterclash and the path it led him to. - Josip Jagić