What started as "just a good run" ended as a dream come true. As you can see in this video, Mikko is sportsmanship incarnate and the rightful proprietor of the title, World's Fittest Man 2009.
Whether a cause or effect of their training, CrossFit champions tend to exemplify the very best ethos of sport. Mikko is no exception. The firefighter and rescue diver from Finland embodies the spirit of the Games.
One of the amazing traits of Mikko is that he never seems fazed. He approached each event with an air of amusement. When he had reps taken away from him, he just kept going. Even after the brutal final chipper, which he completed nearly two minutes faster than any other competitor, he kept his humor and his humility.
"It's the ending I dreamed of," Mikko said in response to whether this was the result he wanted. "Not what I wanted ... dreamed of."
12 comments on this entry.
1. danny lau wrote...
November 16, 2009 3:15 PM
What an awesome Champion to have. I feel blessed to be part of this community. Crossfit is it! The JKD of fitness.
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2. Ben Wheeler wrote...
November 16, 2009 3:35 PM
This guy is a true role model. What a class act. Someone I am sure Crossfit HQ is happy to have on top.
Besides that...does anyone think this guy can be beaten? I may be speaking way too soon but he seems so mentally tough its scary. Isn't his "Jackie" time sub 6? You have to be on another level mentally to touch that.
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3. kris kepler wrote...
November 16, 2009 4:15 PM
if that's doesn't fire you up, then you don't have a pulse! Mikko, class act!
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4. Joe wrote...
November 16, 2009 7:31 PM
I think it's awesome how all the top contenders in the crossfit games are such genuinely nice and humble people. It makes being a part of this community so much better. I can't wait to see Mikko return next year!
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5. Ryan replied to comment from Ben Wheeler...
November 16, 2009 8:54 PM
Ben,
If Kalipa didn't have his issues on the run he had a great chance to repeat, IMO. This video isn't about that, though. Mikko is one hell of a competitor and a great guy. I have a ton of repect for him and wish him the best next year. He'll be tough to beat.
Ryan
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6. Ben Wheeler replied to comment from Ryan ...
November 16, 2009 9:16 PM
Ryan,
Agreed, haven't done the math but Khalipa did dominate now that I think back. I think he is the only guy to place 2nd twice 1st twice in two events? Not sure on this. But with a better run, it might have been a different story. I guess thats why we have the run??
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7. zach mitchell wrote...
November 17, 2009 6:04 AM
"Class act" says it all. I got chills.
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8. jeffluke wrote...
November 17, 2009 7:42 AM
Fine. I'll admit it. My workout gear now eerily resembles Mikko's.
The most sincere form of flattery.
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9. Ron wrote...
November 17, 2009 10:23 AM
Good to see this. I only saw Mikko Matrix-style during the Games weekend, as series of numbers and times written down on 2x3 pieces of cardstock.
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10. Bob wrote...
November 17, 2009 10:53 AM
Another great teaser from the media team..... Mikko is a great CF ambassador, and I can't wait to re-live the games again on DVD.
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11. Peter Keenan wrote...
November 17, 2009 12:01 PM
Met Mikko at level 1 cert in N.Ireland and he's just as laid back and humble as you see,no secrets,ready to talk to everyone on training methods or whatever.Great example.
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12. CL wrote...
November 18, 2009 8:49 AM
Miko is the kind of guy we women want. Intelligent, humble, strong, and friggin HOT!!
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