Gustav - Beyond The Finish Line

From writing history at the Ironman World Championships to considering life without triathlon, Gustav finds purpose and peace with the challenges that life has thrown his way.

We sat down with Gustav as he shared the harsh reality of the past 24 months, and the light at the end of the tunnel leading up to his return to competition.

Thank you to Gustav's partners Surpas, Giant and Plasmaide for their support in helping to make this possible.

Surpas
Instagram - @surpas_official
YouTube - @surpas_official6133

Giant
Instagram - @giantbicycles
YouTube - @RideGiantBicycles

Plasmaide
Instagram - @plasmaide
YouTube - @plasmaide

[alexandergeorgesgretener]

I'm literally crying watching this video. All the best for you Gustav. You are an amazing athlete/person. Your mother is very proud watching you from high above.

[TalbotCoxMedia]

I wept like a baby. I am greatful to call you a friend gustav! SO proud of you man!

[TruthFactsLM]

At 10: 31 Gustav wiping a tear, that never stops from happening . My dad passed away in 1996, a tear is never far away . I was born 6 yrs before Gustav's mom, you see life alot differently when the hourglass has less sand. Hope Gustav can manage the ache of the heart to to push through the aches of training . Good young man . ALL THE BEST GUSTAV

[christoph_wattever]

Jesus.. As if I needed any more reasons to love and idolize this guy

[pandrzp]

Triathlon is so much better with Norwegian train. All the best Mr. Iden.

[ironman.]

Dear Gustav, my wife passed with cancer after 5 and half years and it has inspired me to live a different purpose I know you will be back even stronger in all ways. Thank you for this video and wish you well in Kona. I hope to reach Kona in 2 years.

[salrondinelli]

I started triathlon at 40 in the middle of depression because of you Gustav. It's not about winning in Kona, but winning in life and you put me in the best way to do that. Keep going champ, we all need your victories and your smiles.

[laurajeancox]

Shedding tears watching this. All so beautifully said Gustav and filled with so much love and passion. Congratulations on a beautiful home, it is sure to be filled with peace and joy. ❤️🙌🏻

[ollierumsey]

I bloody love Gustav. Such a great guy and deserves to be back at the top.

[mikecanterbury-rs]

I'm an 8 time sprint triathlon and duathlon champion here in Florida. Our mom's died 2 months apart. Same circumstances. It sucks. It's a serious gut punch. I miss her badly like you miss yours. It is difficult finding that wind in the sails again. There is still that pain that will always be there, but as time goes by, it will get better. Just hold on, stay busy and remember that the sunshine shines on our mom's through us now. Best to you Gustav.

[angelicdanielle]

Loved the video Gustav, so obvious that everything was from the heart.
Will be in your corner when you race Kona.

[PrlJmmr]

Gustav, at a loss for words but thank you for such an honest sharing of where you are. I cheered for you when you won Kona… you were amazing!

I can easily say that I am cheering for you even more now … all the best Gustav, you are a champion.

[leejago]

sending you much love Gustav, heart breaking watching this. so sorry for your loss.

[IliaRox]

God bless you Gustav! You are a true inspiration to continue my triathlon path. I am a few years older but I hope one day we can be on the same race together! It doesn’t matter if I finish last! Cheers!!

[williamw.]

My heart goes out to you and your family. I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of your Mom. I’m sure she is watching over you and beaming with pride. Keep moving forward. Warmest regards. — Bill

[MinaBassilious]

Dear Gustav, thank you for being vulnerable with us and sharing the pain you have been through. I lost my father a couple of months ago and like you I wish I could have continued to share my life with him here. I am an amateur age grouper and I'm grateful that my Dad spectated my first IRONMAN a couple of years ago. You're an inspiration to all of us Gustav for your titles but also for the person you are. Take care my friend.

[guilhermegazabim]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 such a nice guy!!!! You will be much stronger soon …… All the best in life!

[Kaindlathleticsystem]

Wishing you all the best for your future - what ever it may be that makes you happy. You're a true inspiration for all athletes and coaches. I am sure the way back to world class performance will be fast and will only make you a better athlete. THanks for sharing so much to you Gustav and the whole Santara Tech Team - this is so amazing.

[OsorioT]

Best of luck! You are already a legend! It's nice to see you finding yourself ❤. Fly and keep healing

[carloesguerra]

this is inspiring, always have a purpose, will make you realize life is short and family is everything, you do it for them.