Jonas Colting – Sweden
“ÖTILLÖ is a world class race today and I am so proud of having been part of their journey from day one – from an obscure grassroot event to an event endurance athletes all over the world want to participate in!”
What do you like most about Swimrun?
I love the fact that it´s a great big adventure set in nature and water! And by just finishing a race, regardless of placing, there´s a tremendous feeling of satisfaction. In a swimrun you´ll experience parts of nature and water that you never would otherwise. Someone has taken the time and energy to scout a course and all I have to do is follow the markers:) And of course, racing with a partner is so much more fun than being in a race on your own. Time really flies by fast in a swimrun too, sometimes five hours feel like just started the race.
What are your goals for 2020?
Well, given the current situation I certainly hope there will be an opportunity to even race any more swimruns this season. I´m so happy I travalled to Catalina for the ÖTILLÖ race there, it was magical. My big goal for the year though is to participate in my 15th straight ÖTILLÖ World Championships. If the race happens I look forward to wearing the “veteran race bib” that Michael Lemmel promised me:)
As a race organizer I postponed my @borasswimrun from the end of May to Sep 20th. It would be magical to squeeze that race in before the summer is definitely over but we´ll have to see how and when the world opens up. In the meantime I´ll arrange a few small and people restricted training swimruns with no more than 50 participants.
How does Swimrun make you a better person in your everyday life?
Being humble, taking on challenges one step at the time and knowing that with a good spirit and patience, almost anything is conquerable! As a father of a young son I also have a lot of motivation to stay fit in order for me to being able to race swimruns with Rufus in my 60´s!
If you could choose anyone you want as a partner (nobody you raced with before) for an ÖTILLÖ race, who would it be ?
Wow, that´s a tricky question. There are so many great swimrunners these days but I rarely race anymore with the intent to go fast. I´m a good friend to Swedish artist @petteralexis, who is also a multiple ÖTILLÖ finisher. We´ve never raced together and I´m sure we´d have a good time together.
What is your favorite meal the night before a race?
Actually by that time I´m already too stuffed to enjoy food! I don´t eat that much the night before so any small meal together with some milk chocolate and red wine will do! My big meal is a huge hotel breakfast buffet the day before the race, that´s when I really eat silly amounts of food!
Read more about Jonas Colting in an article in Swimrun life Magazine that we wrote. Read it here
Follow Jonas on Instagram
