(For nothing on Earth is perfect.)
Federico Staksrud
"A dominant force with multiple gold medal performances, he represents elite skill, discipline, and a championship mindset."
I am Roger Shorr, and I see my friend Federico Staksrud, a great champion, through a different lens.
Federico is recognized as one of the premier competitors in the world today.
Widely regarded by many as the number one player on the planet, he has established himself as a dominant force through consistent high-level performance, gold medal results, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
He competes with discipline, precision, and confidence. His presence, focus, and ability to rise to the moment have earned him respect across the sport.
But beyond performance, there is something deeper.
Roger Shorr, author of The Near Perfect Body and the Pathway to Yours, sees Federico through a different lens.
Not as finished.
Not as complete.
But as near perfect and getting nearer.
Because even if he were to win every match he ever plays from this point forward, there is always another edge.
Win a little faster.
A little cleaner.
A little sharper.
That is the nature of becoming.
And that is what Federico represents.
Not just excellence.
But the pursuit of what lies just beyond it.
Federico Purchased A Copy Of
The Near Perfect Body
"Because even at the highest level, there is always another level."
It is a wonderful feeling to know someone of Federico’s caliber.
I had seen Federico Staksrud in person once before, but the first time I truly met him was January 5, 2026. That was the day he said I looked better than he did.
That is one thing. But what happened next was something else entirely.
Before I knew it, we were doing a video together, and he bought my book.
That was a real thrill for me. The video is above.
A few months later, I saw he was scheduled to return to our club for demonstrations. I believe he was also introducing a new pickleball paddle he was promoting. I signed up immediately.
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, so everything was moved indoors that evening. Still, it was just great to see him again. He looked fantastic.
Of course, I was going to buy a paddle, and I did. Some friends I had invited to join me were there as well, and they bought one from him for their son.
He wrote a beautiful message on the paddle and signed it with real care. I am very proud of it.
We also spoke about the possibility of helping some charities when I launch my second website, which will be a subscription-based model, unlike this website, and will be called The NPB Society. I expect it to be wonderful, fun, and a very happy and exciting place for people from all over the world to come to. I hope that it will be nearer to perfect than this one is.
I hope to begin that sometime this year, and ideally it will be ready by the end of the year, or perhaps early next year.
It is a wonderful feeling to know someone of Federico’s caliber. I cannot wait to watch him compete. At my age, and with my ankle, I do not think pickleball is for me. But that does not mean I cannot love the sport.
I remember playing paddle ball as a child. It was somewhat similar, although we used tennis balls, not the plastic pickleball used today.
In any event, it is great to have a friend like Federico. And I truly believe he will continue to rise, becoming an even greater star than he already is.
He will keep getting nearer and nearer in his beloved sport of pickleball.
I have no doubt.
Nearer to perfect.
-Roger