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Advanture Magazine
MTN CHAMPION:
KILIAN JORNET Photos by Matti Bernitz
Kilian Jornet is a mountain athlete who wins competitions and sets insane records across the world. Yo u ' l l f i n d h i m a t h o m e i n N o r w a y t h i s s u m m e r, unpacking some piece of mountain gear out of his Mercedes Marco Polo.
AM: Hi Kilian, for those who don’t already know you, who are you and what are your passions? Kilian: I am someone who loves to spend time outdoors. I also like to train and push my body so running, skiing or climbing in the mountains is the perfect match for me. I’ve been a professional athlete for the past 15 years, and I’ve also taken several personal projects in the mountains around t h e w o r l d . N o w I l i v e i n N o r w a y w i t h m y f a m i l y. I also try to pass along the message that we need to take care of our environment and our mountains because they are one of the most precious things we have. A M : S o i t l o o k s l i k e y e a r- r o u n d , y o u a r e a l w a y s enjoying some activity suited for the season. W h a t i s y o u r f a v o u r i t e t i m e o f y e a r, a n d w h e r e do you love to spend it the most? K i l i a n : I t ’s h a r d t o t e l l ! I l o v e w i n t e r s o I c a n s k i a lot, but also here in Norway I love the summer as w e h a v e a l o t o f h o u r s o f s u n l i g h t a n d i t ’s p e r f e c t for doing long activities. AM: We heard that the UTMB was cancelled this y e a r. H o w d o y o u p l a n t o s p e n d t h e s u m m e r w i t h
regards to training closer to home in Norway and also with your family? Kilian: Racing is not my priority anymore, now I ’ m a l w a y s l o o k i n g f o r o t h e r c h a l l e n g e s . I t ’s s u r e that this summer has been very weird due to the COVID situation so I’m looking forward to spending time in the mountains doing several activities. We are doing more “local tourism”, driving our van to different parts of the country and exploring the mountains there! We’ve also been to Sweden, where Emelie my partner is from and spending time t h e r e w i t h f a m i l y. A M : F o r a s t a y c a t i o n i n N o r w a y, h o w w i l l t h e campervan benefit you on micro-adventures this summer? K i l i a n : I t ’s g r e a t . Yo u c a n p a c k a l l t h e g e a r y o u need and just drive until you find a mountain you l i k e . I t ’s g r e a t f o r o u r f a m i l y a s w e c a n a l l s l e e p i n s i d e a n d s p e n d t i m e c o m f o r t a b l y. AM: What has been one of the most memorable experiences in your sporting career? K i l i a n : I t ’s h a r d t o c h o o s e o n e ! I a l w a y s s a y t h a t the best memory is yet to come!
