For the 96th daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Toms Krasovskis. Toms is a 27-year-old inline skater living in Riga, Lativa. He co-owns and manages Bardaalus brewery.
What steps did Latvia take to battle COVID-19 and how are things there now?
Fortunately COVID-19 did not hit us too hard. The government implemented a 2×2 safety measure that only allowed two people within a two meter area. What played the biggest role in keeping our infection rate low is the fact that we like our personal space. Latvia is not that populated and everyone has enough room to isolate from each other; at least one square meter per person. Like most other countries we had a mandatory 14 days quarantine for anyone coming into Latvia. The whole situation was perfect for me because I did not have to come up with any excuses to not do anything except reflect. The values of society kind of fell apart during this time, while my values were different, making me a duck in the water.
Were you skating during the COVID-19 lockdown?
I have been busy working, which has resulted in me getting out of shape. The last couple of years have been crazy due to sports injuries, so it was necessary to take a big break to recover.
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
I was suppose to travel to Denmark to teach skating to kids with Jacob Juul. Because of COVID-10 that has been put on hold. During this time I’ve really been searching for my purpose in this life and the fact that nobody else was able to go anywhere helped calm me down. My nephews are the ones who really have motivated me to wake up and be productive throughout the day.
Are you doing any cross training?
Not at the moment, but I was vice-champion in olympic weightlifting a couple of years ago. I only trained for one and half years prior to that, when most weightlifters train their whole lives.
How is your local skate community responding?
I really value Nils Jansons, and what he has been doing, both in his career and with the scene here. He single handedly made blading grow in Latvia. It’s unfortunate that our borders with Russia are now closed, as I’ve become very close with the Russian bladers over the past few years.
Are people still getting out to skate?
People are getting out to skate less than usual, but we still have Whatsapp groups and teams (self gathered groups of bladers) who keep each other on their toes.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Thanks so much for remembering me, I am honored! Let’s keep skating alive! It is an amazing thing that has helped me and many others keep their lives in check. Blading made me the man I am today! I am thankful for the people I’ve met throughout the road… such as you, Fredrik Andersson, Josh Glowicki, Mirek and the Hedonskate crew. Edwin from hell (Edwin Wieringh) was one of my best friends and I have reciprocated the welcome he gave me to other bladers I’ve met on this journey of life. Blading is the most amazing scene in the world!
Links
- Follow Toms Krasovskis on Instagram.
- Check out Bardaalus brewery on Facebook.
- 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 any questions, suggestions, story ideas or to contribute content.
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