Roll model Olivier flew to Chicago to become Mr International Rubber 2011. The winner was a man from Atlanta. Olivier takes it in his stride. We spoke to him about his large fetish family, his last official acts as Mr Rubclub and the question of the desert island
Olivier did his best - and still didn't win. The German Mr Rubclub 2010 did not make it onto the podium in the Mr International Rubber 2011 competition. Despite this, the 32-year-old Frenchman, who lives in Offenburg, came back delighted. He is almost a little sad that his term as ambassador of the fetish scene will soon be coming to an end. We spoke to our model Olivier about the competition in Chicago, his last official acts and shyness
Welcome back, Olivier! How was Chicago?
I didn't see much of the city. We had a packed programme and were passed through the fetish bars on the very first evening. The only free time I had was the seven-hour time difference between the USA and Europe. (laughs)
How was it?
Very good! I was just a bit surprised that there were never more than 200 people, even at the bigger events. I had thought that more people would be interested in the election of Mr International Rubber.
How did you do?
Unfortunately, I didn't make it into any of the top three places. If the audience vote had been weighted more heavily in the final judgement, I would probably have done better. When the audience were allowed to cast their votes, there was at least a lot of paper in the bucket in front of me. (laughs)
Before the election, you had to fulfil tasks on stage. What was going on there?
Oh God! A lot! In the first round, we candidates had to introduce ourselves, then show off the fetish outfits we like. We had to take part in a Lady Gaga parody as dancers. And there was a quiz. For example, we had to answer the question of which other candidate we would take to a desert island and what we would do with them there. It was a bit of a shame that the main aim was to make the audience laugh. The jury wasn't so interested in what we jokers actually did throughout the year.
What would you have liked to tell them?
Since my election as Mr Rubclub at the beginning of the year, I've been travelling around Germany, visiting bars and darkrooms to show that the fetish scene exists, that it's also active here in south-west Germany and that we're committed to it - including for AIDS support. That's how I became a role model for ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU.
You sound a bit disappointed.
No, not at all. It was a good experience to be there. And it was important to show: There is a lively rubber scene in Germany. We were there!
Is the rubber scene in the States different from that in Europe?
But yes - very different! It was my first time in the USA, but I had the impression that the fetish scene there is much smaller and less open, people keep to themselves. There are rarely any playrooms in the bars. And what I noticed: I didn't see any condoms on the counters. Maybe they were for sale, I didn't ask. I had my stuff with me. But in Germany and France, I know that condoms and personal lubricant are very conspicuous and available free of charge. The Americans are probably more conservative when it comes to this too.
Mr Rubclub 2011 will be elected in Karlsruhe on 8 January. That will be the end of your term of office. Will you then fall into a deep hole?
No, then I'll just have more time for myself again and can go on holiday in peace. My experiences as Mr Rubclub will last a lifetime. I've met so many people and also invited so many people and brought them to Karlsruhe - it's been a good year for me!
Your last words as Mr Rubclub 2010?
Don't be shy! Drop by the Rubclub in Karlsruhe and talk to me. I'll be happy to show you what's happening in the rubber scene. Nobody has to be afraid, there's something for everyone. The fetish scene is a very special family - but it is a family! And we are all normal people. When I go to work, I don't wear a rubber suit. Only sometimes when I go shopping in Frankfurt.
Has your role as a rubber ambassador changed you?
Yes, I'm not as shy as I used to be. Unfortunately, I still get scared when I have to speak German. (laughs)
(Interview: Philip Eicker)
The official website for the election of Mr International Rubber
