Meet TEAM 5 – CAN/AUS/SWE
The young, fun, and capable endurance racing team that combines the Australian adventure racing duo of Mitch Nissen and Hilary Bell with the outstanding Swedish racer Marcus Hultgren and support crew of Mikael Morin. Hilary is a phenomenal racer and ex-Canadian professional swimmer; Mitch is an experienced navigator, swimmer, and expedition racer; Marcus is a full-time endurance racer and Mikael is an experienced ÖtillÖ athlete with the local knowledge and navigation skills as support crew during the race.
“We are constantly seeking the next challenge that provides the environment for us to grow. One Water Race sets the standard for the ultimate endurance test. We want to be pushed harder than ever before. We love the outdoors and believe the natural environment needs to be preserved for current and future generations. We want to be a part of the One Water movement that encourages preservation of our precious natural resources and awareness of the water crisis while enjoying and appreciating the beautiful world on which we are temporary guests.”
“I love racing as it forces my body and mind into a state of stress which demands immediate growth to overcome the instant challenges without hesitation”
Hillary Bell, Toronto, Canada
2022 – Expedition Canada (expedition race), 81h29m, 2nd Place
2022 – Explore Gippsland (adventure race), 23h31m, 2nd Place
2017 – Cairns 70.3 Ironman, 4h52m, 5th Place (19minutes for 1.9km swim!)
Competed internationally in swimming for Canada and accomplished the following:
2006, 2008 – Junior World Swimming Championships Canadian Team Member
2007 – Pan American Games Silver & Bronze Medals (Freestyle Relays)
2007 – Swimming World Cup Canadian Team Member
2007-2010 – Canadian National Age Group Relays Record Holder
2008 – Canadian Olympic Trials 7th place 200m Freestyle
2012 – Canadian Olympic Trials qualifier
2013-2014 – Ontario University Athletics Women’s Swimming Championship 1st place
“I know the environment very well, the cold, the heat, the rough water and the struggle you can have out there! And my full-time occupancy the last 10 years has been about training and racing full-time, so my body is for sure up for the challenge!”
Marcus ”Marre” Hultgren, Stockholm, Sweden
2021 – Laponia Triathlon (Iron distance), 1st place
2019, 2018 – Long course Wales (3-day triathlon), 1st place
2015 – ÖtillÖ, 2nd place (mix)
2014 – ÖtillÖ, 3rd place
15 years of endurance sports. Over 25 Ironman races, half of them as professional.
3-days self-sufficient running race on Fuerteventura.
Practically raised in Stockholms archipelago, 8 ÖtillÖ races, did 80% of the race in the prequel to OWR in 2021 and was a safety/film-runner during OWR 2022.
“I seek moments in life where I can have raw experiences in the outdoors with good people. One Water Race is the ultimate test that satisfies my ‘Why?’ physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Mitch Nissen, Townsville, Australia
2022 – Expedition Canada (expedition race), 81h29m, 2nd Place
2022 – Explore Gippsland (adventure race), 23h31m, 2nd Place
2022 – Raid100 (100 hour expedition race), 7th Place
2022 – 23km Goldrush Trail Run, 1h51m, 2nd Place
2022 – Australasian Rogaine Championships 9th Place
2021 – Wildside 36 hour adventure race 4th Place
2021 – 100km Gladstone off-piste trek/run 13h34m
2011 – Coolangatta Gold 5h31m 16 yrs 1st place age category
2009 – Queensland Championships Surf Life Saving – Ironman 3rd Place
2008 – Qld swimming championships 800m freestyle 9m35s ; 400m freestyle 4m40s.
“I look forward to support the team with local knowledge of Stockholm archipelago and knowhow of the equipment needed for this terrain and weather conditions.”
Mikael Morin, 54, Halmstad, Sweden
2022 – Raid Lowlands Adventure Race
2021, 2019, 2018 – Finisher of Orienteering World Cup
2018, 2014 – Ironman Kalmar
