Anja Pärson is one of the participants in this year's season of SVT's Master of Masters. Already when she accepted, her thoughts revolved around one of the upcoming branches.
- I already knew when I accepted that this is the branch everyone wants to see me do. With the history I have as an athlete, I think people have high expectations of me. There was only one thing, to stand the longest and preferably take the record from Järbyn, she says.
Did not dare to train on the branch
Former alpinist Patrik Järvbyn broke the record in the program in 2022 when he stood for a full 26 minutes and seven seconds. Previously, both Ingemar Stenmark (ten minutes in 2011) and Frida Hansdotter (26 minutes and two seconds in 2020) from the same sport held the record.
Anja Pärson says that it was difficult to train at Jägarvilan. She tested two or three times to feel it but did not dare to test her limits for fear of being lowered by bad results.
- I had no idea how long I could stand, she says.
"Perhaps the toughest in history"
So how did the competition go? Pärson is forbidden to reveal it in advance but gives a hint that it will be interesting.
- Maybe I'm biased, but historically I haven't seen a stronger team in Mästarnas. There are sick challenges and no one gives up. Jägarvilan will be a very tough battle, perhaps the toughest in history.
- No one leaves there without being in crazy pain. It kept the legs in pain for days afterwards.
The master of masters premieres on SVT February 4.