- In one sentence, what is FSS here to do—for athletes, for clubs, and for the Faroe Islands?
FSS exists to build a real structure for weightlifting in the Faroe Islands—one that gives athletes a pathway, supports clubs, and puts our flag on the international platform where it belongs.
- From first Nordic medals in 2022–2023 to hosting the 2024 Nordic Championships at home: what are the top two lessons you took from that journey?
First, that good organization and teamwork matter just as much as talent. You can achieve a lot when everyone—from athletes to volunteers—pulls in the same direction.
Second, that once people see things working, motivation spreads fast. The results came because the structure worked, not the other way around.
- The Faroes have a reputation for strength. How do you turn that into a training culture and a competition pathway, not just a story?
We build on that reputation by creating real opportunities. It’s not enough to say “Faroese people are strong”—we have to show what that means through coaching, local clubs, and chances to compete. We’re working to make weightlifting part of daily life, where young people see it as something serious, organized, and open to everyone.
- This is the first time Faroese lifters will compete under their own flag at European level. What does that mean to you personally—and to your athletes?
For me, it’s pride—pure pride—and a huge motivation. We’re not seen as an independent country, even though we live very independently in most aspects of life. So in my head, I’m not Danish, I’m Faroese.
It’s been a political discussion since World War II, but for me it’s simple: I want to lift for the Faroe Islands, where I was born and raised. The European Weightlifting Federation sees us as an independent nation, and we want to live up to that—to compete on our own, like we already do in swimming, handball, and football. And once a nation becomes independent inside a sport, the evolution always takes off.
- What is your concrete plan to bring more youth and women into the sport?
We want to make entry easy and the atmosphere welcoming. That means more local clubs, beginner seminars, and female coaches and role models. We focus on fun, progress, and community—not only on medals. Once people feel they belong, the rest follows.
- You started weightlifting in 2020 after other sports. What convinced you this was your path?
I’ve always loved training—rowing, CrossFit, football, handball—but weightlifting clicked because it’s so technical and honest. Every kilo you lift is earned. You can’t fake it. It’s a constant challenge, and the progress is addictive. It also gave me a community I didn’t expect.
- Walk us through a good training week for you—main lifts, key accessories, recovery habits.
Over the last five years I’ve trained between five and seven times a week, though recently it’s been two to four sessions because of changes in personal life and priorities.
A typical week includes snatch and clean & jerk sessions, with squats and pulls to build strength. I focus on mobility and stability work too—shoulders, hips, and core. Recovery is mostly sleep, stretching, and good food; nothing fancy, just consistency.
- If you had one minute with a 13–17-year-old in the Faroes who’s unsure about weightlifting, what would you tell them?
It takes time and patience—but don’t start because you want records or medals. Start because it’s fun, because it’s social, and because you’ll have a team supporting you no matter what you lift.
You compete as an individual, but you’re never alone. Weight classes make it fair for everyone, even those who’ve never been “sporty” before. No pressure—just progress, friendship, and doing your best while being kind.
Closing
Faroese weightlifting is still young, but the direction is clear. With pride, structure, and teamwork, we’re building something that will last.
