From June 1 to 4, lovers of this sport have a new and important event. This time it's time to enjoy the European semifinal, which will specifically be held in Berlin, Germany. Once again this year, the best athletes in this sport meet to fight for the title of “strongest man and woman in the world.”
After watching American athletes compete on May 18, 19 and 20, where our athlete Adler Jeff took first place and Picsil's also athlete Roman Khrennikov finished in fourth place.
Now it is the turn of our European athletes, where the brand will have a significant number of qualified athletes. (Discover their names in this article) .
From Picisl we have been able to speak with some of them to see how they are experiencing the weeks leading up to the important appointment. These are some of the conclusions that some of them such as 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 staying focused on the task at hand training after training, and not getting distracted by everything going on around you.
Martín Cuervo: I think the biggest challenge for me coincides with that of the majority of competitors. The level in Europe is increasingly higher and performing well in all wods will be expensive.
Aniol Ekai: My biggest challenge is to demonstrate everything I have worked on and improved to be able to qualify for the CrossFit games. Show that I have the level.
2.- How have you prepared for the competition over the last month?
Claudia Gluck: I just followed the process day after day collaborating with my coaches. The goal is to achieve better physical and mental shape for life in general, and obviously also for competitions.
Linda Keesman: I have been training in the United States (Training Think Tank) between the quarterfinals and the semifinals. I had a great time!
Martín Cuervo: During the last month I have prepared myself the same as I had been preparing the rest of the months. We have been doing two sessions a day, except Thursday (when we do active rest) and Sunday when it is complete rest. In recent weeks the general tone has changed a little due to the announcement of the wods. Training has become more specific. As for food, practically the same as always too. 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 training, sleep what the body asks for, reduce stress and increase the quality of personal relationships.
3.- How do you manage emotions when faced with a challenge as big as this?
Claudia Gluck: I stay in the present as much as possible. I focus on what I have to do right now, not tomorrow, not in a week. I also talk a lot with my coaches, friends and family.
Martín Cuervo: It is the first time that I will compete in the Semis but I have already competed on other occasions with people of this level. I think that the days before we will all be nervous but for now in my head there is only desire and enthusiasm.
Aniol Ekai: I let them appear, and they help me perform better. I am an emotional person and this helps me 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 already have passed. 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 most.
Linda Keesman: I have used bursts of motivation to gain discipline. Nowadays I rely more on discipline than motivation. I just do what I told myself I would do.
Martín Cuervo: It sounds cliché but every day you give the best you have. Not every day you are motivated, far from 100%, but it is the discipline and the fight to build myself that pushes me to do everything with care in the box.
Aniol Ekai: I try to be disciplined and enjoy the process.
5.- What picsil products will you take in your suitcase to Berlin?
Claudia Gluck: I'll definitely wear my Picsil Azor grips . I will also be wearing my knee pad (5mm black) as my black WL Belt.
Linda Keesman: Picsil RX Grips ! 2 holes for the Ring Complex, 3 holes for the TTB!
Martín Cuervo: There is never a lack of Picsil products in my backpack… they are part of me not only for competition but also on a daily basis. Falcon grips are a product that I always carry with me. As are the new knee pads and custom belt.
Aniol Ekai: Belt, knee pads, wrist guards, hand guards
