Stephen Madden
What did your preparation for this event look like?
For this contest I was lacking to prepare when I should’ve weeks prior. My prelim’s tricks were planned a month before and my music was only prepared the week before the contest. I didn’t practice a whole lot. Maybe around an hour or two a week. My final was practiced maybe around 8 times in total before so my routine.
While I didn’t practice a whole ton I do make sure I’m ready to go on to stage by going to the bathroom/washing my hands a few minutes before and usually for the 5 minutes before I go up I’m taking slow and deep breaths in and out. Going up on stage in the mindset to have fun and satisfied with however the outcome may be helps as well.
What gear did you use and did you have any special set up?
For this contest, I used a highly competitive powerhouse of a bimetal prototype that yoyofriends will be releasing later this year. I use OT Fat string and just the bearing that comes with the yoyofriends’ yo-yos.
Was there a specific trick or element you were most proud to pull off on stage? Or a favorite part of our performance/routine?
I would want to say that in both of my performances my horizontal is what I’m most proud of. Especially my slack triangle trick I always do.
If you could have done one thing differently what would that have been?
Definitely prepare more and yo-yo more in general for sure. I’m really trying to learn tricks off YouTube right now it’s a ton of fun to explore and expand your trickset.
What’s your favorite memory from PNWR?
It’s always going to be seeing my friends succeed on stage especially my teammates.
What advice do you have for people looking to compete for the first time?
Have fun and use this first time to showcase your tricks as best you can. Have fun on the stage first. Worry about placement second.
What will you take away to prepare you for your next competition?
My trick sets are outdated and do not score. I will have to learn tricks I don’t want to learn to succeed at the next contest.