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Arvis Iljins

/ Latvia

Date of birth:

1994.12.21

Hometown:

Valdemārpils, Latvia

Sponsors:

Prestol Team, Kompozits.lv, Burusports Team, Dynamit energy drinks, Vitaminperformance, Proteinperformance, Ghetto athlete, Ghetto games,

Hobbies:

Water sports, traveling

Favourite athletes:

Usain Bolt (He rocks)

Gear:

Prestol Boats (Bords, Boats), Brachasport (paddles)

BIO

I was born in 21/12/1994 and the first time I got to know what water and water sports are, was in my home town Valdemarpils, Latvia. When I was seven years old, I started with kayaking in my beautiful backyard lake. When I was ten, I realized that I wanted more, and then I started practicing Olympic flat water canoe.

I dedicated my whole childhood to canoeing and this showed me what sports are really about . I did not have to wait long until my first success in National and European level but, when I was 19 my career ended due to injuries and financial problems. But after a year I met with Stand Up Paddling – that moment I found myself again!

INTERVIEW

What are you looking for to accomplish?

My biggest problem now is understanding that I have to ride in waves, I have a lot of experience to ride in flat water conditions, but I’m starting from the bottom to understanding the wave. What I want the most is ride waves with the same strength I do in flat water.

What would be your greatest achievement?

My five-year plan is world ranking top 10! I would like not only to enter there but to stay for a while. Definitely next year’s World SUP Championship in Denmark is my team priority now.

What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?

As I mentioned, my biggest problem is adapting in heaviest waves. I need more experience. But my trump card is to ride sprints and long distance in equal level and 12 years’ experience in canoe.

What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?

I always set the target, workout or race and when I reach the target, I feel like the winner of the world, because I won my biggest enemy – Myself!

Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?

Best place is definitely in my home town – Valdemarpils. Perfect place to learn the technic!

But because my sport is SUP, It is necessary to train at different waters; I like to practice in Rīga, Mangaļsala and Jurmala. Lake, sea and river.

What do you do during your training which is key to your success?

I have a passion for training! In 2016 I defeated nearly 5000 km on water per year, 2000 km running and countless hours in the gym, and I cannot stop. Someone told me- “Always remember, if you cannot win with talent, then get it with work”

What are you most nervous about when competing?

I am trying to picture myself already in trainings before the race. if I have done it already at training, stress before the competition is no barrier. So I just repeat what is being done in training. It removes all stress.

Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?

My biggest fans are definitely my family members! My mother and father, my three brothers, Edijs, Dagnis and Dāvis. Racing is in our blood.