Name: Jitse Kramer
Age: 40 years old
Weight: 160 kg
Height: 194 cm
Max deadlift: 420 kg
Max squat: 305 kg Max bench: 200 kg
Where do you sport: Gym Iron Heart and Bodyshape Goutum.
Favorite motivational quote: He who fails to prepare, prepares to fail.
Hi Jitse, tell us a bit more about yourself!
I'm a quiet Frisian, grew up in Ferwert and have already been living in Leeuwarden for 17 years. I live together with Anja and her 6-year-old son Merijn. I work part time (20 hours a week) at Gym Iron Heart in Leeuwarden as an Allround Fitness Employee/Trainer and I also do personal training. Of course, in addition, I am also training fulltime to become and stay very strong!
We see that you are very strong... What are your PR's?
Farmers walk: walking with suitcases of 200 kg per hand.
Superyoke: walking with 600 kg on your back.
Stones of strength: 220 kg ball stone 4 x over 1m30.
Deadlift: 420 kg
Dutch record.
Truck pull: 25 tons.
Trunk lift: 160 kg overhead.
When and why did you start with the strongest man?
I got into it through Marcel Elsinga (from the documentary). Through him I started practicing this sport and I was immediately very good. I started 10 years ago (with Wout Zijlstra).
What does your nutrition plan look like before a competion?
Eating 5000 to 6000 calories a day and as varied as possible. I eat a lot of potatoes, rice, pasta, meat, oatmeal and bread. As long as it is healthy and not very processed.
What does your training schedule look like before a competition?
8 weeks of training, while working towards a peak, then a week of rest.
In your opinion, what is the key to success?
Believing you can do it before you start, and then making a plan to get there.
How do you deal with setbacks?
I turn those into opportunities.
What have you had to let go, to reach your goals?
Because I work parttime, I still have a lot of time for fun things. However, not for parties. Regularity and structure is very important.
How did you prepare for this competition?
That's hard to say... I guess I arranged everything I was able to influence well, so I had little stress, as well as having structure, regularity and discipline.
How did you experience the day?
Very good, everything came together at the right time. I felt strong, flexible, rested and all the warm-up turns went fantastic. In addition, I had a lot of support and a good team of the stream (wat zou hier moeten staan?). In short, a top day!
Do you have any tips for anyone who wants to achieve something in this sport?
Preserverance is crucial. Nothing happens by itself. With a good plan, a strong body and strong mind you can do anything you want.
What else would you like to achieve in the sport?
World Record Deadlift 40+ (436 kg) and to compete with the strongest man in the world.
Did the competition go as expected?
No, easier...
What went through your mind when the record had been achieved?
A lot of joy of course, as well as the feeling that weeks of building-up pressure fell off my shoulders.
How did you sustain your injury?
That's ongoing, probably a torn tendon in the foot. Next week's ultrasound will provide more clarity.
