ESPN: When dis you begin competing in the Asian X Games Qualifier?

Jeerasak: I competed in the first event in 1998.

ESPN: How did you feel having the first Asian X Games Qualifier hosted by your home country of Thailand?

Jeerasak: It was a suprise. I did not think Thailand would be ever chosen as the site for any international extreme competition. It was a great opportuity for me and for all of my firends who the love the sports. Without the AXQ I would not have been able to make it as a professional skater.

ESPN: How many times have you competed in the X Games?

Jeerasak: Twice. At the 2000 and 2001 X Games.

ESPN: Do you feel that the X Games is the biggest competition for Inline skating?

Jeerasak: Yes, There is more "X Spirit" because there are so many different sport competitions happening and there are so many spectators.

ESPN: Do you think the level of skating is progressing in Asia so that more skaters will be able to compete at the X Games professional level?

Jeerasak: Yes. Because of the success of the AXQ and Xtour many governments and large companies in Asia are starting to take a serious look at the athletes and into building skateparks. My friend was invited to compete in China twice and saw a lot of progress among the Chinese guys. I think Chinese skaters will be the strongest rival to Thai skaters. I also saw great progress among the Malaysian skaters. They now have a great indoor skatepark to practice on and I think they have improved in style and tricks over 100% since I last met them at the 2000 AXQ.

ESPN: How many years do you predict until there are at least 10 Asian skaters competing in the X Games?

Jeerasak: I think within 2 years there will be more than 10 Asian inline skaters in the X Games.

ESPN: Did you learn any new tricks at the X Games in the U.S.? What were they?

Jeerasak: I learned more style and variations.

ESPN: What did you think of the United States?

Jeerasak: The USA is a very nice, big place. Friendly people, clean air, efficient, and comfortable. It is a bit too expensive for me to live there though!

ESPN: Are there any American customs that you felt were strange?

Jeerasak: I think they are aggressive sometimes in their reactions but they seldom result in a physical fight. In Thailand if you are that aggressive it would mean life and death.

ESPN: What are the differences between the styles of skating of U.S. verus Asian skaters?

ESPN: The US skaters are more powwerful and more confident in their style. They are more entertaining and colorful to watch.

ESPN: Who are the up and coming Asian skaters?

Jeeresak: Woapoj Boonnim would be my first choice and Surawat Bumrungkij (Junior X, 2000 Gold medalist) would be my second.

ESPN: Thanks from the word from Asia, Jeerasak. Good luck at the 2002 AXQ! Hopefully, we'll see you in Philly again next summer!

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