I grew up in Connecticut in the 80s/early 90s a few towns away from Brian Anderson, who was of course a local legend even back then.
In 1995, I had yet to see him skate in person until I entered a local skate contest, entering the same “advanced” division as him. When I saw him skate during practice, I immediately knew the legends were true and he was basically a professional skater, so I dropped down to the next division so I didn’t have to compete against him. Hahaha
I ended up winning the “intermediate” division and he coasted to a victory in the “advanced” division. He was easily one of the most naturally talented skaters I’ve ever seen skate in person and to this day is one of my favorite skaters.
That’s also why I bought so many pairs of the Project BA, because it always tripped me out that a dude from my era and area has a pro model shoe on Nike.
P.s. Donny Barley was a judge at that contest and pretty sure BA went on that infamous road trip to SF with Donny(the one that landed him on Toy Machine) right after the contest.