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TEAM NO 1 – USA
Staffan Björklund
Östersund
Merits
- 2012 Ötillö Swimrun World Championship (5th place men)
- 2013 Ötillö Utö Swimrun (1st place men)
- 2013 Ötillö Swimrun World Championship (6th place men)
- 2015 Ötillö Swimrun World Championship (1st place mixed)
- 2016 Ötillö Swimrun World Championship (2nd place mixed)
- 2017 Ötillö Swimrun World Championship (2nd place mixed)
- 2017 European Adventure Racing Championship (1st place)
- 2021 Östhammar Adventure Race, Sweden (1st place, 24 hours)
- 2021 Adventure Racing World Championship Raid Gallaecia (3rd place/103 hours)
– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?
I haven’t raced a swimrun for a few years. Instead I have built my own company, got a family with a wonderful wife and two sons. I have always said I wanted to do a comeback in Swimrun one more time to see if I could keep up with the new school swimrunners out there. I guess I will know in August.
– Have you taken a similar challenge before?
Yes, many times. However, I have never been swimming 50,000 meter, in cold water like we have in Sweden. I did 7 km in 11 C water without a wetsuit once in Fiji at Eco Challenge. So I know how tough mentaly it can be.
– What are your strengths?
I like suffering and new challenges. Over the years I have learned to race smart instead of super fast all the time.
– What are your weaknesses?
Ironic it is, but I have to say, I’m NOT a swimmer.
– What will be your biggest challenge?
Keeping shoulders intact throughout the race and staying warm will be the biggest challenges for all of us.
– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago?
I have worked in the Stockholm Archipelago as a high speed boat driver and guide for almost 10 years so I know it inside out.
– What do you know/think about the terrain?
It is totally unique, only a few places in the world have a geological footprint like the archipelago. Somehow the archipelago symbolizes Sweden.
– What are you most looking forward to?
Moving forward as a team and solving problems together along the way!
