The World of balloonsthe competition created by Ibai Llanos, is all the rage all over the world. In fact, the large number of views on different platforms and social networks – at its first edition in 2021 was seen by over 8 million people – made the organizers decide to investigate the issue. The qualifications of the South American countries took place on 17 and 18 September in the city of Buenos Aires.
Argentina has its own representative. Lautaro Macquedaafter a great participation, he managed to rise as champion and will be in charge of representing the country in the grand finale which will take place at the end of October in Barcelona.
After his victory, Lautaro visited Clarín’s editorial office and was encouraged to tell the keys to his victory, his preparation and what his daily life is like after being crowned Argentine champion of qualifiers, which will give him the opportunity. to compete for the world title. With him, Claudio Lassace (Brazil), Gabriela Amaro (Kilos), Jorge Alba-Ortiz (Colombian) e Luis Gerardo Ortega (Mexico) it was the others who got their place.
-For those who are unaware of this new phenomenon, what explanation would you give of the discipline?
-I would say it is a new sport because it meets all the requirements to be one. It started last year and it’s about hitting the ball, which we all did in our childhood. It has very simple rules, but one is that you can’t hit it.
-Where is it played?
-It is located in a living room. You have tables, desks, furniture and the idea is to play with the ball among the furniture. For this reason you want the other not to hit the ball and if you hit him and he falls to the ground, it is a point for you.
-How did you come to participate in the World Balloon Championship? What drove you?
-I thought Ibai’s idea was very original. I was watching the World Cup and I thought that if the opportunity arose I would want to participate. Later I saw that he said that this year he was going to hold a World Cup and that, unlike last year, where he had looked for people living in Spain, this year he held the qualifying rounds for the best in the country.
-What was the way to qualify?
-The way to rank was to upload a video to Tik-Tok. I tried to make a video that stood out and I was among 5 thousand people.
– How did you prepare for the competition?
-There is no specific preparation. How are you preparing for this? More than anything else it would be doing cardio, jumping, stretching because there is no way to prepare. If over the years this becomes a sport that remains and not in fashion, I suppose that somehow they will start training, but as it is today it is very difficult to train it.
-The championship game, how did you get there?
-It didn’t occur to me to hit him with a shoulder blade. When I saw that the table was exaggerating I wanted to touch him with my head, I didn’t get there and he bounced off my back, but by accident. I didn’t look for him and when I felt he hit me there, I immediately lowered myself to continue racing. When I see my rival celebrating, I asked for the VAR because I was sure I had won.
– What do you think are your virtues?
-One of the virtues is that I think I’m very athletic. There was no lob that I hadn’t gone looking for and I made one of the best saves of the tournament. I feel that I can go to anything because my physique is enough to do it. I measure 1.70, weight 61 kilos and have a lot of agility.
-You started winning 3-0, but it got complicated: what helped you recover and be crowned?
– At the beginning I was very comfortable with the result of 3-0, in fact I wanted to be the great Bilardo and pull the ball up to make the time pass faster, but my opponent used strategies and started to dislodge me. When it arrived 3 to 3 I got nervous, but I played with my head and when we started playing for the ball I remained calm and motivated to win.
– Leaving the World Balloon Championship, what is Lautaro’s life like?
-He trained in the gym, I like to be physically fit. I study hotel administration and management. I like sports and I do kick boxing. I used to be a model, now I don’t take many photos. Acting is what I’m passionate about, I love the camera.
– Did the acting influence the making of the Tik Tok video?
-When I made Tik Tok I thought I had to do something that entertains the seer, so I used my acting skills for the video. I had experience making videos for a company and used what I saw from the outside to make the video. The video is all done by me, I did not need anyone’s help, only my brother and a friend helped me by lending me the cell phone to make the call of destiny. It was all my idea and all my plans.
– How will you prepare for the World Cup?
-I am currently going from place to place, I can’t believe it had such an impact. I guess this will be the first week, then I’ll be able to find the times. They recognize me on the street and greet me, but I hope to have time for myself, for my friends and to be able to train. I will train a lot of cardio, jumps and reflexes to be able to give my best and represent Argentina in the best way. I have to prepare myself because I will represent an entire country.
-In addition to being a champion, what do you take away from the experience?
-I made a great friendship with Lucas Precioso who is a guy who competed. As soon as we got there, there was a very good connection. Also, I met Coscu and Momo whom I have been idolizing for a long time.
Source: Clarin
