For the 54th daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Claudio Antonelli. Claidio is a 40-year-old inline skater, visual effects artist and amateur product designer living outside of Luzern, Switzerland in the village of Nottwil.
What is the current situation with COVID-19 in Switzerland?
The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed us at first. Switzerland is a small country and we live close to each other. We did a two month voluntary lockdown, during which restaurants and non-essential stores were closed. Now we’re slowly opening up again.
Are you still skating?
I am lucky enough to have a driveway in front of my house that has enough space for my grind box and practice rail. I try to skate everyday there or at the little mini-ramp in the neighboring village.
Claudio lacing a backslide grind. Photo by Jeff Spörri.
Are you doing any cross training?
I don’t own a car so I do a lot of walking and blading. I also go rock climbing.
What other activities are you doing to occupy your time?
Chilling, gardening, reading, learning and recreating the Be-Mag message board on Facebook blading groups. Sometimes I kill the industry with some open-source replacement parts for dead brands.
Some of Claudio’s work.
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
The pandemic has not affected my life too much. I’ve always been more of an introvert and enjoy the slower pace.
What are your major concerns right now and looking into the future?
I’m most concerned that the new “normal” will try to be like the old “normal”.
How is your local skate community responding?
Groups of up to five people are allowed to meet up outside, so sessions are still happening. However, I’m sadly in a dangerous position and need to self-isolate. My lungs are damaged and the risk of catching pneumonia is not the best idea.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Stay safe and be nice to each other, this is all we have. And keep rolling.
Links
- Follow Claudio Antonelli on Instagram.
- Check out Claudio’s YouTube page to see more of his work.
- Go to Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 to read more interviews from skaters from around the world.
- Go to Essential Workers – Inline Skaters on the Front Lines of COVID-19 to read about inline skaters from around the world who are considered Essential Workers.
- For our full COVID-19 coverage go here.
- Contact Big Wheel Blading for and questions, suggestions or ideas.
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