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This week it is our privilege to bring you an interview with professional Football Freestyler, Multiple World Recorder and Cirque Du Soleil Performance Artist, Laura Biondo. We discuss Laura’s experiences of breaking world records, her advice on how to follow your passion, performing across the globe with Cirque Du Soleil and much more…

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How did you get into freestyle football? Is there an area of freestyle that you are most renowned for?

I started freestyle late 2007 /early 2008. While I was recovering from an injury from playing soccer my brother already watched and tried freestyle tricks. So, I would tag along with him to try things. Destiny made me meet some freestylers that introduced me more to this world and I slowly got passionate about it and decided to adventure in this discipline.

In freestyle I am known for being a pioneer in this sport and for fighting/working for equal opportunity and development for females in this sport.

Can you tell us about some of the most notable adverts, performances etc…that you’ve worked on as a freestyler? What are some of the companies, teams etc… that you have worked with?

I have been blessed to work with many companies and brands in many events and TV. From Cirque du Soleil to Nickelodeon, FIFA, Red Bull, UEFA, MLS, FIGC, Nike, Adidas, Cartoon Network, Google, Microsoft, CNN, Telemundo, Univision, Sky Tv, Sony, Coca-Cola, Audi, Fox Sports, Vodafone, Heineken and many more.

Can you tell us more about the World Records that you hold?

Throughout my career I have broken multiple times 5 different records to a total of 10. The records are:

• Most ”around the world” ball control tricks in one-minute x 5.
• Most football (soccer) touches with the head in one-minute x 2.
• Most football (soccer) “clipper” tricks performed in one-minute x 1.
• Most touches of a football (soccer) with the soles in one-minute x 1.
• Most football (soccer) touches with the shin in one-minute x 1.
  

Can you talk us through some of your experiences and what your role involved performing as an artist with Cirque du Soleil?

The Cirque du Soleil show that I was a part of is called Luzia. It’s a show inspired by Mexico and if takes the audience through a journey of an imaginary Mexico. Part of this journey was through our freestyle act that represented the passion and love for soccer as well as those moments where we people, kids, youth and grownups would go to the streets to play games of juggle with friends.

In the act I had a male partner and we would perform tricks synchronized, while also each on their own.

Are there any people, books, or experiences that you would be willing to share with us, that have really shaped your mentality?

What has shaped the most my personality is the experiences I have lived. All the travels that allowed me to get to know different cultures, made me open my mind and understand many more things but mainly appreciate and value all aspects of life and people.

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to take their passion and turn it into a successful business/ career?

The key word is passion. When you truly love what you do and want to achieve a goal, that passion will drive you. You just have to have faith and belief that you will find the way to make it happen. All in life takes patience, hard work and being constant.

My best advice is to always stay true to yourself and values and follow your heart, work hard and never give up no matter how hard it seems. There will always be a way for you to make it happen.

Can you tell us more about your role as ‘Head of Women’s Development’ for the World Freestyle Football Association?

My role is to look out for the female side of the sport, help and support to have equal opportunity and well as to take initiatives so that females have the opportunity as well to participate and develop within this sport.

When I started us females didn’t even have competitions organized for us, we had to compete with men. For me it’s important to help so that new females can already have the opportunities many didn’t have in the beginning.

What are you plans and goals for the future?

My main goal is for my career to become an inspiration for others to follow their dreams. I want to be of help for others to find motivation to push themselves past their own limits and achieve anything they want.

Instagram: @laurabiondo

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Interviewer: @tudge_
(Instagram)