Charity

How & why did you start:

I started CrossFit in 2013 when I was 16 years old. I did my first weightlifting competition in 2015 because I couldn’t yet qualify for CrossFit competitions. In 2019, I started training weightlifting with my coach. I had noticed that CrossFit didn’t give me the things it used to, and I began to prioritise weightlifting over other types of training. In 2020, I started training weightlifting full time. This decision has brought me some clarity as I also work as a CrossFit coach. It helped me to make the cut between training competitive myself and coaching others.

Your coolest sport memory:

For the past seven years, doing sport has been a big part of my life. When I started CrossFit, all bodyweight movements were extremely hard for me. My dad promised to buy me my first weightlifting shoes as a prize for my first pull-up. In the beginning, I couldn’t do a pull-up even with the help of the black rubber band, but I kept practicing every evening in our garage. I remember the moment I did my first pull-up like yesterday. Getting there took a great deal of disappointment and frustration. After receiving the weightlifting shoes, I also fell in love with weightlifting.

Your biggest goal:

My biggest competition goal is to qualify for the European Championship in weightlifting. I’m also very eager to break the Finnish weightlifting records in my division. Other than that, the most vital goal is to stay and feel healthy.

Motto:

“If we can’t be sure what will come, let’s assume that everything will be alright. - Mauno Koivisto