From June 1 to 4, lovers of this sport have a new and important appointment. This time it's time to enjoy the European semifinal, which will be held in Berlin, Germany. One more year the best athletes of this sport will meet to fight for the title of "the strongest man and the strongest woman in the world".
After seeing the past days 18,19 and May 20 beat American athletes, where our athlete Adler Jeff the first position and the also Picsil athlete Roman Khrennikov finished in fourth place. Now it is the turn of our European athletes, where the brand will have an important number of qualified athletes (Discover their names in this article)
From Picsil we have been able to talk to some of them to see how they are living the weeks leading up to the important event. These are some of the conclusions that some of them like Claudia Gluck, Linda Keesman, Martín Cuervo and Aniol Ekai have given us:
1.- What do you think is the biggest challenge you face in this semifinal?
Claudia Gluck: In my opinion, the biggest challenge of any competition is to stay focused on the task at hand training after training, and not be distracted by everything going on around you.
Martin Cuervo: The biggest challenge for me I think matches that of most competitors. The level in Europe is getting higher and higher and to do well in all the wods will be expensive.
Aniol Ekai: My biggest challenge is to demonstrate all that I have worked and improved to be able to be in a qualifying place for the crossfit games. To prove that I have the level.
2.- How have you prepared for the competition during the last month?
Claudia Gluck: I simply followed the process day by day in collaboration with my coaches. The goal is to get in better physical and mental shape for life in general, and obviously also for competitions.
Linda Keesman: I've been training in the U.S. (Training Think Tank) between the quarterfinals and the semifinals - I've been having a great time!
Martin Cuervo: During the last month I have been preparing the same way I have been preparing the rest of the months. We've been doing two sessions a day, except for Thursday (when we do active rest) and Sunday, which is a complete rest. The last few weeks the general tone has changed a bit due to the announcement of the wods. The training has become more specific. As for food, it's pretty much the same as always. Trying to eat as much as I can so that I don't lack any energy in the box.
Aniol Ekai: Trying to add quality workouts, sleep what the body asks for, lower stress and increase the quality of personal relationships.
3.- How do you manage your emotions in the face of a challenge as big as this one?
Claudia Gluck: I stay in the present as much as possible. I focus on what I have to do right now, not tomorrow, not a week from now. I also talk a lot with my coaches, friends and family.
Martin Cuervo: It is the first time I will compete in the Semis but I have competed in other occasions with people of this level. I think that in the days before we will all be nervous but for now in my head there is only desire and illusion.
Aniol Ekai: I let them appear, and they help me to perform better. I am an emotional person and this helps me to perform.
4.- What is your main motivation?
Claudia Gluck: I remind myself that even if there are bad days, and they are not fun, I have to keep going. Because tomorrow the bad day will be over. And I also remind myself how lucky I am to be able to do what I love most every day. With the people I love the most.
Linda Keesman: I have used bursts of motivation to gain discipline. Today I rely more on discipline than motivation. I just do what I told myself I would do.
Martin Cuervo: It sounds cliché but every day I give the best I have. Not every day you are motivated, far from 100%, but it's the discipline and fighting to build myself up that pushes me to do everything with care in the box.
Aniol Ekai: I try to be disciplined and enjoy the process.
5.- Which picsil products will you take in your suitcase to Berlin?
Claudia Gluck: I will for sure wear my Picsil Azor cuffs I will also wear my knee brace (5mm black) as my black WL Belt.
Linda Keesman: Picsil RX cuffs! 2 holes for the Ring Complex, 3 holes for the TTB!
Martin Cuervo: In my backpack I never miss Picsil products... they are part of me not only for competition but also in everyday life. The falcon grips are a product that I always carry with me. As well as the new knee pads and the custom belt.
Aniol Ekai: Belt, knee pads, wrist guards, grips
