Michael Lopez is a former national champion and world team member, who has now made the transition to coach and judge. He's also giving back to the sport of baton twirling and USTA by serving as a member of USTA's Digital Technology Department. INSIDE LOOP recently talked with Lopez about how technology is impacting our sport and why he continues to be involved in baton twirling. Here's what he had to say.
Inside Loop: As a member of USTA's Technology Department, how has the digital world impacted baton twirling? What do you foresee for the future on baton and digital technology?
Lopez:The digital world allows all athletes, coaches and judges to connect with each other across the world. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen webinars, coaches and judges' workshops, training clinics and virtual competitions that have had a significant number of participants attending virtually. The IBTF, WBTF and USTA have made sure that their members have the necessary tools and resources needed to stay up-to-date with our knowledge and training of the sport through technology. We all had to learn how to work around the pandemic, and I can say for a fact that baton twirling has prevailed through these difficult times. Through this obstacle that we all faced together, we learned to accept and welcome technology into the sport and have a major presence going forward. We will be experimenting with new technology in the future, whether it's for training, coaching or judging. Technology is here and it is here to stay.
Inside Loop: As a former national champion, world team member, USTA judge and coach, how important is it to “give back” post-competition days?
Lopez: : I can only speak for myself on this topic. I have been fortunate to be able to travel across the country and overseas, meeting new people, making new friends, creating memories in foreign cities, while twirling a metal rod. This sport has given me a second family. The lessons, the disappointments, the successes that I have learned from baton helped me to deal with obstacles in life. I am forever indebted to this sport and the people in it. I love this sport. I want to be a part of the effort in moving the sport forward to Olympic recognition. Doing so will validate what I have known all along: that baton twirling is a true sport!
Inside Loop: Tell us three things that the world of twirling probably doesn't know about you.
Lopez:
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I drive a Northern Sky Blue 2022 Chevy Silverado truck. Being 6'5”-ish, it's the only vehicle I can fit in without feeling physical pain. I have an amazing amount of room in my truck. I will NEVER EVER go back to driving an SUV or a car again!
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I own three Indian Motorcycles. No, I'm not a biker! I ride just for leisure.
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If I could do any other sport, it would be figure skating!
