I was recently asked about the following:

This is from ChessCampeona and I am doing a three article report on GM Magnus Carlsen´s modeling job. I would like to ask you these three questions.

1. What do you think about Magnus modeling?
2. Do you think about other chess players doing the same thing?
3. Do you think this will distract him from chess?
4. If you could say something to Magnus about his modeling what would you tell him?
5. What do you think about his photoshoot?

Here are my answers:

1. I hope chess does not lose one of its brightest stars to modeling 🙂

2. Unless one devotes 110% of himself/herself to his/her profession, especially when he/she is at a competitive age, one may not reach his/her full potential. Now that I have accomplished my chess playing goals, I can then focus on other areas (such as running SPICE at Texas Tech, promoting chess and all its benefits, raising money for chess scholarships for young people, organizing scholastic and international events, etc.). People can do whatever they want. This is just my personal opinion.

3. If it is a short term / one time thing, no. If this becomes a regular full time thing, yes.

4. Magnus does not need me to tell him anything. He has a very loving / supportive family. They will give him good advice.

5. Smile 🙂

What is your take?

Posted by Picasa
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Tags: , ,