Joey Mantia Interview pt.2

Ok sorry about the delay.. But certain things couldn't be talked about until now.. So here's part 2.

MC-So in huge news to the world skating scene, Luigino picked up Italian star Massimiliano Presti. Since most of my readers are from the US and know little about him, tell us about your new teammate.

JM-He's one of the very few people in history to beat the legendary chad hedrick more than once. He's won the world cup overall title something like 6 times. He's helped countless people attain gold medals at the world championships, as well as attaining many himself. He's an Italian icon that kids say they want to grow up to be... On top of all that, he was a wife and a little girl. I think he's probably the oldest guy to still be winning world cups as well. Oh, and he's one of the funniest people I've met... that's something good to have around ha.

MC- So how pumped are you going into the season knowing he's on our side now?

JM- I cant wait to go to the world cups and have a teammate as seasoned as max. Everyone in the world, independent of the states, knows who he is... and theres a reason. With the experience he has and our drive to win, i think it will be a very interesting season in the world cup circuit this year.

MC-Does this mean your planning on making a run at an overall WIC title this year?

JM-it would be something cool to add to the resume' at some point, but until I'm completely done with worlds, and don't care too much about the indoor scene any more, which isn't any time soon, then maybe ill give it a shot. but this is kind of like the whole 50 gold medals thing... its a cool title to own, however, its not something i need to define me nor the success of my career.

MC-Speaking of worlds, lets talk about a gold medal you didn't get. You never really got to tell your side of the 1,000m race in Korea. I know you were upset, but are you still bitter?

JM- Noo, actually me and the kid that was involved are pretty good friends now. Cheating someone is completely garbage in my opinion, but after i put myself in his shoes, i was able to understand why he did it. He was blocking for Jorge Botero, who was basically the Chad Hedrick of Colombia for a long time... He never beat Chad, but has a handful... OK maybe a BAG full of silver medals thanks to Chad. So, i asked myself, if i was a first year senior and someone that i really really looked up to all my life coming up in the skating world came to me and told me to keep everyone behind me no matter what... i might get caught in the moment as well and make some bad decisions. That being said, i just figured i should let it go, learn from it, and don't put myself in a position to be cheated like that again.

MC- Alight lets jump to 2008. Answer Wheels has just been launched. Give us a little inside info and maybe a little plug.

JM-Answer will be here before you know it and i personally cannot wait. Indoor, we finally get to see the sonic welding technology that I've been desperately waiting for to make the indoor wheels that much better. Outdoor, we're going to see a whole new hub design... a ONE PIECE hub. This is going to give us a brand new set of variables to play with and develop to adjust the speed and traction of our outdoor urethane's. Answer Wheels will be globally distributed by the Luigino Family, where as Matter was shared between Powerslide and Luigino. This is a huge deal, as WE now have complete control over any changes in development, sizing options, colors, hub types, and most importantly, quality control. I think everyone will be very pleased with the new Answer line that is to come. Answer Website

MC-Answer defiantly seems like it's gonna be a big deal in 2008 and beyond. Completely jumping subjects. People seem to always have something to say about you and what your doing. What do you want to say to those people?

JM-Ive come to grips that gossip is a part of life. Everyone does it, so I can understand why people go around and say some of the things they say... its juicy. However, it cracks me up that the parents get involved and spread it around like wild fire. With the whole steroid and baseball thing blowing up right now, its incredible how many people bring my name up in conversation on this topic. In a way its a little flattering, but i want to say I've never taken anything to enhance my strength, performance, or endurance EVER. I can't even stick to a simple diet, so theres no way i would be able to... as its been put, "stick myself in the butt" with a needle on any kind of schedule, let alone, be able to keep up with worrying about covering it up for a drug test. I was one of the highest tested athletes last year by USADA, especially for a non-Olympic sport. Apart, from the steroid thing, theres been other things said about me and i would much rather any skaters or PARENTS, come to me and ask me about them, rather than your friend who has no idea either.

MC- All that's left is a few quick ones. I ask a question you just shout out a quick answer....

MC-What's your favorite distance race?

JM-Outside Marathon. Inside 100m

MC-What's your favorite skating trip you've ever been on?

JM-Patinfiesta (MC-AGREED!!)

MC-Best place to train?

JM-Colorado Springs

MC-Country with the prettiest girls?

JM-Colombia/Venezuela

MC-What's your favorite music to train to?

JM-anything - classical - techno doesn't matter

MC-Favorite artist?

JM-Eminem

MC-Video game?

JM-Galaga!!

MC-Movie?

JM-Fight Club



Alright hope you all enjoyed. Will have at least one more post this week. Trying to figure out my next interview. Any Ideas let me know.