Henrik Hult

– What other experiences do you have that demonstrates your competence and ability to complete One Water Race?

Over the last 2 years I have completed three races of running at least 100 miles, and twice over 200km. This demonstrates that I have the ability to run the distance required for One Water Race. I also have experience from several multisport races of 24-40 hours of competition, racing in teams of 2 or 4 persons. These races have given me experience on how to work as a team to battle sleep deprivation, difficulties to consume energy, bad stomachs, injuries etc and to keep the focus on moving forward towards the finish line. These races have also given me experience to race in varied weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures in the Norwegian mountains, lightning and thunderstorms in the Stockholm archipelago, heavy rain and hot summer temperatures. At all the multisport races that I have competed in I have been the navigator, planning and executing route choices, both in daylight and at night, so although I realize that the navigation may be challenging, especially while swimming at night, I believe that I have sufficient experience from e.g. kayaking at night in similar conditions to manage the navigation during the race.

– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?

I have been interested to race longer continuous multiday adventure races of 3-5 days for some time. When I read about the One Water Race last year I was immediately intrigued, partly by the awesome challenge, partly by the course through the Stockholm Archipelago where I have spent summers since childhood, and, also, for the good cause to spread awareness of the environmental threats to the seas and oceans. The One Water Race also gives me a strong motivation to improve my swimming. Over the last year have been professionally engaged in the launching of Havsfonden, which is an equity fund for private investors to invest in global companies that make products or services for sustainable seas. Havsfonden also provides funding to non-profit organizations that work for a better sea environment, in particular the Baltic Sea. Thus, both my personal and professional interests fit perfectly with the foundations of the One Water Race. Last year I made some initial efforts to set up a team for an application, without success. This year I got connected to Annika and Pär who complement my own strengths and weaknesses perfectly, by being great swimmers and in need of a strong runner and navigator with multi-day racing experience. It seems to me that this year the stars have aligned for me to take on the great challenge that the One Water Race provides.

– Have you taken a similar challenge before?

Yes, I have done several multisport races of 24-40h in teams of 2 to 4 that require similar skills in terms of navigation, endurance, ability to handle sleep deprivation, and teamwork. These races have also required similar amounts of preparation, training volume, logistics, energy plan and gear.

– What are your strengths?

My strengths are my running and navigation as well as the experience of similar challenges. I really enjoy the team dynamics and to race together as a team. I value the ability to be very open with each other about when you are strong and when you are weak, as these periods may vary significantly during such a long race. I realize that the speed while running or swimming is far from everything, the navigation and route choice is obviously also important, but the ability to minimize downtime when you are not moving forward and to maintain a high energy level is going to be crucial for a good result. I’m often relatively strong towards the end of long multisport races, which means I have experience in pulling teammates while running or biking. However, I have also been on the other side of the rope, the one being towed, and know it is better for the team to try to equal our strengths and weaknesses as much as possible, right from the start.

– What are your weaknesses?

My biggest weakness is my swimming. I have been swimming and practiced swimrun for the last 3-4 years, often with experienced swimrunners, but my present level of swimming is not at a sufficiently high level, and I haven’t competed in swimrun races. There is still a lot of time for me to improve my swimming before the race and I am committed to do the work. Moreover, I have two teammates who are great swimmers so it is our plan that I will be the one being at the end of the rope on most of the swims.

– What would be your biggest challenges in this race?

My biggest concerns are the exposed swims if there are strong winds and large waves, and the risk of getting cold and having difficulties warming up. In addition, the navigation on long swims at night will certainly be challenging.

– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago and what do you know/think about the terrain?

I have lived almost my entire life in Stockholm with a family summer home in the archipelago. I have been on uncountable boat trips, fishing excursions, as well as training sessions and races through the archipelago. I would say I am very familiar with many of the islands, the waters and weather conditions.

– What are you most looking forward to, if you would participate in One Water Race?

It would be an incredible challenge that must be approached with detailed preparations and great humility. The biggest reward that I am looking forward to is the team experience, overcoming unknown adversity together to reach the finish line.