Where does your self-confidence and winning instinct come from?
I have a very good team behind me, and I also think that CrossFit is so incredibly fun. I can filter out all the pressure and everything that is hard, and that means I beat a lot of people. It is common for many people to hype themselves up by posting their best results, which they achieved at home in the box. When they then leave their safe zone with best friends and family, to come to a new place and see someone in person – they get nervous. When it comes to competition, I know that I am the one of the athletes who will be able to do it: I have experience and know what I am doing.
What was your preparation like for the Crossfit Games?
Swimming, running and some form of heavy lifting are common in the competition, so I make sure to practice those. Lots of movements that can cover many parts of the competition. Then I travel to the competition destination about 3 weeks in advance, to get used to the time and heat. We train outdoors in the sun the whole time, followed by hot sauna baths. When there is 1 and a half weeks left, I reduce the volume and training, but maintain the intensity – all so that I have time to recover. Then I peak before the competition.
What does a day look like during the Crossfit Games?
It's extremely well planned. Martin Altemark sets my alarm when I'm supposed to show up for warm-up – so I can focus on other things. I also get food and water, exactly what I'm supposed to eat. Mentally, it's important to be prepared for things not to go as you think. Lower your expectations and just have fun – that's the most important thing.
What is the atmosphere like in the athletes' warm-up zone?
It's always great. We hang out there all day: eating, sleeping, hanging out and watching the others compete on TV. The focus is to relax and not stress. I'm especially close to the Europeans and Americans, but everyone is super nice.
In 2015 you came in 30th place in the Crossfit Games, this year you moved up 16 places and finished in 14th place. What did you do differently compared to last year?
It's all about routines. Talking about what you do and how you think. I'm also very inspired by track and field athletes: even if we don't train in the same way, the feeling of training in the same room creates a sense of security. Also, sleep is invaluable, I sleep 10 hours a night. It may sound boring to go to bed at 8 pm, but with my high motivation it becomes easy. And this year everything was right. It's important to understand how incredibly good the world elite is, if you come last in the Games you're still a professional.
What are your plans for the rest of 2016?
The big goal is always the Crossfit Games, I don't put energy into peaking off-season. However, I will compete at the Alpha Games in Nice and also coach at Profitness Camp with Peter Blaha. I am also thinking about moving to Dubai, to train and coach.
And for 2017?
We will be bringing in more people to my team, such as a nutritionist who will plan my meals even more carefully. Otherwise, we will just improve small things that will make my shape even better.
You are an ambassador for CLN Athletics. Why?
I think it's so fun with Swedish. It's important that people like the product and I really do. Then it's important that I have good chemistry and get along with those behind the product: that everyone is honest and shows understanding for each other. Together we build both my name and CLN Athletics.
