Erik Olofsson from Uppsala collapsed due to salt deficiency during last year's Swedish championships in 24-hour running. He is now back for the event in Växjö this weekend, having adjusted his training on fluids and salt. He hopes for a better outcome this time.
Erik Olofsson from Uppsala had his sights set on the world championships when he collapsed from salt deficiency during last year's Swedish championships in 24-hour running. Since then, he has entered three more 24-hour races but was forced to withdraw each time after about 16 hours, despite attempts to adjust his fluid and salt intake.
He is now back for the Swedish championships in Växjö this weekend. “I've rested a long time and trained well. I have a good idea of what happened last time, so I hope it will work out this time,” Olofsson says.
He has focused his training on taking in more fluids and salt. What draws him to 24-hour races is the community and the challenges, according to Olofsson: “It's probably the community, doing this together with many different people fighting for the same goal. And overcoming the challenges that come along the way.”