Inline speed skating carries the Olympic spirit and should be an Olympic sport, French inline speed skating world champion Elton De Souza says.
De Souza was in Waimate over the weekend while competing at the Waimate Caledonian Society Caledonian Games.
''I really want to work for this sport. I want this to [go] to the Olympics.''
De Souza believed it was only a matter of time before inline speed skating became an event at the Olympics given how many countries the different skating world champions belonged to.
At the moment, inline speed skating lost its competitors to ice skating because people wanted the opportunity to take part in the Olympics, he said.
He tried ice skating, but believed it was not the sport for him.
''You skate alone against the time, but speed skating is for me ... it's more dynamic. It's a summer sport. I prefer the summer.''
He was in New Zealand after being invited to come to compete in several events with most of his expenses covered.
He is enjoying his time in the country.
''It was like a dream for me and here I am. I love New Zealand.''
The 25-year-old started skating when he was 3 and now he and his three brothers are all competitive skaters.
He has stayed competitive skating because of the speed experienced and the feeling of the race.
''The races are just amazing. You have a lot of movement in the pack. It's really beautiful to see.
''You can change your position in the group, but the strongest and fastest wins. It's my sport.''
