In late 1996 Jerry Bekkers offered Sven a two year contract with his show team. Altough Jerry meant well and had Sven's best interests at heart, Sven chose to turn it down- he had the feeling that we would improve so much in those two years that the contract would become more of a hindrance than help for him. Sven decided to contact Rollerblade NL directly and they offered him a contract because they saw that Sven was on the way to becoming a very talented blader.

On the photo from left to right: Sven Boekhorst // Philip Smeulers // Jerry Bekkers // Bas v. Beek // Jan Hoogtijeling

A few months later Rollerblade paid for a trip to Zug, Switzerland for a contest. Rollerlbade riders from all over the world met up to get to know each other. Celebrity bladders like Jon Elliot, Jochen Smuda and Eric Schrijn were present as well. Sven impressed there and was sent to the Bercy contest in 1997. This was the first contest Sven was sent to by Rollerblade. 

Interview with Sven in a German magazine. Photo was taken during the skatecamp in Zug, Switzerland 

 

Results 1997

- 1st place Dutch Championships Halfpipe

- 3rd place Lausanne contest Halfpipe

- Overall winner IISS Finals Amsterdam