Mattias Kuosku

– Race experience

Former orienteer who has aimed to compete in the ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Championship for the past six years. I have competed in various challenging swimrun competitions for a long time and occasionally trained and competed in local orienteering races at a competitive level. A couple of years back I also completed a fast-packing hike with a friend where we covered 176 km in three days.

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

It is a unique challenge that checks all my boxes: Adventure Challenging Team spirit Swimrun Orienteering Puzzle solving Memory-inducing Breathtaking scenery It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The risk of not reaching the goal is absolutely something that engages and motivates me.

– Have you taken a similar challenge before?

No, not at this level.

– What are your strengths?

I would say I am one of the strongest navigators among many previous racers due to my orienteering background. I have competed in orienteering for a long time, including night events, and know how to adapt navigation strategies in darkness. Apart from that, I am experienced at running and swimming. The combination of swimming, running and navigation makes me a unique racer. I also have roots in Finland and dual citizenship, if that counts as a strength.

– What are your weaknesses?

My inexperience in multi-day adventures. How do I react to poor or non-existent sleep? Can my body withstand the wear, tear and fatigue in the later stages of the race? I also know that my mood declines when I get tired and hungry.

– What would be your biggest challenges in this race?

The unknown. I have rarely been awake for more than 36 hours or raced longer than 15 hours. Everything beyond that is completely new territory. I worry about injury, fatigue, and how sleep deprivation may affect my navigation.

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

Yes, through ÖtillÖ WC and multiple races at Utö. The Stockholm archipelago is beautiful and vastly different from the west coast. Lush forests, varied terrain, clear waters, and rich history make it a truly unique environment.

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

Is it a cliché to say the door? In a perfect world, I look forward to standing at Landsort with tears in my eyes while hugging my teammates. I am also looking forward to all the preparation, especially the navigation challenges and route analysis.