We had a chat with Helle before she set course for the Olympics in Paris. After the strong European Championship silver in Belgrade, the focus has been directed towards the Olympics.
What does it mean for you to participate in the Olympics in Paris?
It means absolutely everything to me. I have worked very hard for almost ten years to get to this moment. So the fact that I have finally managed to experience my life’s dream will be completely surreal. I look forward to representing Norway in front of the whole world.
What preparations are you making now before the Olympics?
I have just been training and mentally preparing myself. Trying to visualize and have some idea of what it’s going to be like. I have never done this before, but I have competed and dove against the same people now for several years. So it will be just like competing in the European and World Championships.
What are you most looking forward to when you arrive in Paris?
The Olympic rings. Lots of pictures in front of the Olympic rings. My friends and family are coming down. I haven’t competed in front of my entire family since I was very little. The fact that they get to see me live on the biggest stage in the world, I am really looking forward to.
Have you received any advice/tips from your older sister who participated in the last Summer Olympics?
She has given me some tips on how to handle it. It’s really just about enjoying the moment. Everyone is probably very nervous and has expectations for themselves. She said that those who perform the best are the ones who completely relax and just enjoy themselves. And I am just going to focus on exactly the same thing I’ve been doing every day for the past four years.
Great support
Helle is bringing Helge Tuxen (dad) with her to Paris, who is also her coach. We joined a training session at AdO and also had a chat with Helge about the preparations leading up to the Olympics.
We have trained for a couple of weeks in Dysjalandshallen in Sola. We have received very good training there. Morning training, afternoon trainings. So a big thank you to Sola municipality. Then we go to Bergen. Bergen is an incredibly nice hall. Very nice atmosphere. The city of Bergen is great, you eat well and sleep well. Helle is actually really happy to be hanging out with mom and dad. She also trains together with those who remain in Bergen. There is a really good environment up here, and we really appreciate that, says coach and dad Helge Tuxen.
Helle trained with Isak Børslien when we visited her last week
Helle will be in action on Wednesday, August 7th at 15:00. The 3-meter preliminaries will be on the program. She is number 16 in the order. The top 18 will advance to the semifinals.
You can watch the diving on the streaming service Max or TVNorge.