Junior Interview – Sebastian Wernersen
This week we were fortunate enough to speak to another junior member of the Norwegian Team – Sebastian Wernersen. Sebastian is currently the 9th ranked Junior in Europe, after an excellent season consisting of a win at ETU Junior Cup Olsztyn and 2nd place at ETU Junior Cup Riga. We spoke about training with the team, moving from his hometown of Tonsberg to Bergen and his racing plans for the future.
Tomos Land – First question, how did you first get started in triathlon?
Sebastian Wernersen – My family has never really been into sport, so it is a passion I developed myself. I played soccer when I was younger, and wasn’t the best on the ball, so I started running and swimming to improve my endurance on the pitch. When I was 15, I became friends with a triathlete in my school and started swimming and running with him. This led to me starting triathlon and joining the local tri club in around 2016.
TL – What made you decide to switch from football to triathlon?
SW – I loved the hard work and how this would be honestly reflected in your race performances. I love having fun with friends and enjoying my training. I think in triathlon there is a hunger to improve that never disappears, which isn’t there as much in soccer.
TL – What do you enjoy the most about training with the national team?
SW – It is quite a small group, so everyone is friends. The best guys are humble and nice to be around, and when you are enjoying yourself, you almost forget you are training. The presence of world champions makes you bring out your best all the time. Sometimes it can be mentally hard to have to always make the right decisions and be at your best but at the same time that’s what makes it so good.
TL – You moved to Bergen to train with the national team, why and what was that like?
SW – In the summer of 2019, Cedrik and I decided to take the next step and move out to be with the national team. I completed the last two years of school online, and when we moved out to Bergen, that was when we really became part of the team. We were lab testing, training with Kristian, Casper and Gustav every day and realizing how much hard work it does take. Moving out there with Cedrik for company made it a lot easier for sure!
TL – After some great races in Olsztyn and Riga, what is the plan for the rest of the season?
SW – Right now I am in the last part of the season. I have competed quite a lot this season, more than ever before. I am racing my first senior WC in Karlovy Vary, then a fortnight later I will be racing the European Senior Championships in Valencia, which I am sure will be humbling! Unfortunately, I won’t be racing World Juniors in Bermuda because of financial support, but on the other hand I will have the chance to concentrate on some other big races.
TL – Looking further ahead, what are the plans for the future?
SW – I am aiming for the Olympic Games in LA in 2028, and before then hope to experience what racing on the senior level is like over the next few years. Cedrik and I have just moved back home to Tonsberg, but we are looking for somewhere to move to soon to train, that’s the next step. Bergen is good with the team, but running and cycling is sometimes hard, especially with the weather.
TL – Let’s roll through some quick-fire questions, first, what is your favorite race format?
SW – The sprint distance, it’s perfect for me. I am not quick enough for the super sprint and I am not yet trained enough for the Olympic distance.
TL – Favorite training session?
SW – A good brick session with my teammates.
TL – Favorite training partner?
SW – Cedrik, he is a good training partner and friend. We can have fun with training when we do it together.
TL – Least favorite thing about triathlon?
SW – Forgetting to cool down after a hard race, it’s the worst thing for sure!
To keep up to date with Sebastian, follow him on Instagram – @sebastianwernersen
