“The champion of champions” is back on Norwegian screens for the 14th time, and for the third time the athletes are competing in Norway. Tonight’s episode came to an unexpected end.
After six exercises in versatility, crossfit athlete Kristin Holte became the theme winner, with Helene Spilling at the bottom. The professional dancer therefore had to go out at night. But when Spilling had to choose an opponent, Ezinne told Okparaebo that she would have to leave the competition.
– I have struggled with the after-effects of corona, and still struggle a bit with it. I thought it would go well, but during some of the competitions I struggled to catch my breath, she says in the programme, and continues:
– So, in consultation with my doctor, we have decided that I unfortunately have to give thanks for me. It’s a bit sad, because I had ambitions, but my health must come first.
WINNER: Ezinne Okparaebo who won the exercise Flaggkampen. Photo: HEIDI MARIE GOPEROD
Thought about the team
Good evening Norway met the former sprinter a few days later.
– Was it awkward to give the place away so early?
– Yes, but at the same time no. I knew what was coming was team competition and I didn’t want to spoil the team. It was fine to let the bottom two be allowed to compete further, Okparaebo told Good Evening Norway.
Mesternes-Ezinne went viral all over the world
Spilling, who progressed without going into the night test, had mixed feelings.
– I think it’s unbelievably crazy that Ezinne has to go home now because of health problems. I should be happy that I myself can continue to be with the gang here now. But of course it feels strange to move on without having fought for that place, she says in the programme.
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS: This year’s participants. Photo: HEIDI MARIE GOPEROD
“Mental breakdown”
Spilling reveals to Good Evening Norway that she had a mental breakdown after the first six exercises. She ended up at the bottom with 15 points, a full 17 points up to Frode Johnsen in the place above.
– Those weeks were quite tough. I performed poorly and had a mental breakdown, and had to call home for some support. So then I called Birgit (Skarstein journ. note) and received comfort and kind words, says Spilling, who lives in a collective with the rower.
She also talks about good cohesion between the participants.
– It was a very nice group, and when they noticed that I had a small problem, they tried to cheer me up. The cohesion was very good, says Spilling.
FLOKEN: Spiling struggled with the exercise. Photo: HEIDI MARIE GOPEROD
Panic before recording
Even with 17 NM gold medals in her bag, she reveals panic before recording, after she realized what she had agreed to.
– I panicked a bit when I realized I was going there and was not in shape. You are used to performing in a sport where you are good. You should then try your hand at exercises where you know you are not good. I got a bit of performance anxiety, says Spilling.
It went from steel control as a professional dancer in “Shall we dance” to panic about what awaited her in “Master of Masters”, but after the shock subsided, she began to enjoy herself.
– I think it’s fun to be allowed to compete in a completely different arena than what I’m used to. But I have matchstick arms, so heavy medicine balls were not very easy.
LAST PLACE: Spilling took last place in the “tangle” exercise. Photo: HEIDI MARIE GOPEROD
Prepared little
Spilling has many balls in the air with TV recordings and its own dance studio. There was therefore not much time for training before she had to compete against the other participants.
– I didn’t really prepare that much. There were a few PT classes, where I practiced hanging from a pole, for the iron grip exercise. I also got a tip, which was to practice the 90-degree angle and change which leg I was standing on. Otherwise, I danced a lot when I had lessons at the dance studio.
Now Spilling gets the chance to get revenge in the next episode in a week’s time.
