Andre Jesus from Brazil to Kuldrula

Kes tänavu Viljandi Bashil käis on nüüdseks juba kindlasti tuttav sellise nimega nagu Andre Jesus. See Brasiilia baiker annab publikule palju enamat kui külmavärinad. Omamoodi maagiat peaks kindlasti ise kogema sõitma Pärnusse, juba 15.-16. augustil toimuvale Kuldrulale, sest just tänavu võtab sellest üritusest esimest korda osa ka Andre Jesus. Mees on tegelikult päris tihedasti seotud ka Eestiga. Kuidas ja misvärk on, saate lugeda siit ja praegu, järgneb inglisekeelne intervjuu. Enjoy.

andre jesus bmx

When and where was it that you first tried riding a BMX bike?

First time I got to have a bike was when I was 6. My dad brought home a bike from the trash. I remember both of the tires were flat and the bike didn’t have any breaks. I wouldn’t even call it a bike. But I took the bike, took it to the street and tried to ride. Afterwards, I saw a guy trying to jump a sidewalk and got a flat tire from it. My friend and I laughed at it, but yet went to talk to him and he started to explain more about BMX to us and that’s when I got interested in BMX.

Make us glad, tell us what you love about Estonia, also what kind of connections to you have with Estonia.

My first time in Estonia was 2010, that years experience for me was amazing. I met so many people, the city was beautiful and after that I always wanted to come back.  Also one of my main reasons why I love Estonia is because my wife was born in Estonia and we go there quit a bit to see her family and friends. It’s never a dull moment in Estonia, it has so many beautiful places all over the country!

kuldrula

You have never taken part of Kuldrula before, what is it so special about this year?

No, I have never been to Kuldrula before, but I have heard so many great things about it. I am extremely excited to go this year and see what its all about. I know I’ll have a lot of fun!

Where does the name Andre Jesus come from? How can we distinguish him from others?

People always get surprised when they find out that it’s not my real name. I got it when I was young and my hair was long and crazy. Every time I tried to do a trick, my hair got in the way and I was screaming Jesus Christ and that’s how my friends started to call me Jesus and it got stuck with me ever since.

andre jesus bmx

Tell us about your brightest BMX experience, when and where did it happen. Also, do you have a favourite place for training/jamming?

I got an opportunity to participate in a huge contest in 2009, where only 10 of the best BMX riders from Brazil was invited. I started as an amateur, but got accepted to ride on a Pro level. And I ended up winning it. That was the moment, the starting point as a Pro Rider. My favourite place is The Animal House, I think it’s the best skate park.

andre jesus bmx

Here comes my personal favourite: The story of your most painful/ bloodiest accident.

I broke my foot in Estonia at Simple Session doing my last trick. I had to fly back to Brazil for my surgery and the flight was 20hours. It’s already uncomfortable to have a long flight, you can imagine in how much pain I was during these flights.

What is it that gives you inspiration to keep on going? How long do you think you’d carry on? Is there something U’d recommend our rad beginners?

My inspiration came with my dad, he never believed in me and didn’t think it was a proper job. I wanted to prove him wrong. I don’t think I will ever stop, I will always keep riding. For the beginners – ride your bike because you love it and enjoy it, not because you want to be famous.

How many crews have you been part of? Do you consider yourself being more of a team member or do you prefer biking alone?

I have my crew back in Brazil that I used to ride with all the time, but since I have been travelling so much in the last couple of years, I always ride with different people and different crews. I think I am both. I am good with riding as a team, and I am also independent enough to enjoy biking by myself!

andre jesus bmx

Is it easy for you to make a living only by riding BMX (or do you do something else as well)? Do you have (m)any sponsors?

I haven’t had to have a job for 7 years thanks to all my sponsors during these years. But I personally encourage people to ride and also study/do something else at the same time. It’s always good to have many abilities. By now I am also a Personal Trainer and hopefully in the near future I will pick up another profession. If you really love riding, you will always find time for it, not matter what else you do in life.

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Toimetasid:
Johanna-Maria – @jomagarden
Anton – @ahmelnitski