Brigitta Poór-XTERRA Pro Athlete & 2016 European Tour Champion
Let’s meet Brigitta Poór, our 2016 XTERRA European Tour Champion!
“She is a lovely young athlete, always positive, quiet and nice with everybody. The last years we saw her geting faster and faster, was most of the times on the podium, won her first race in Malta 2015, had very good results and won the European Tour last year. She is a real example, that women can also compete in XTERRA and do really good. I remember two years ago when she won in Malta, she was shy, and at the Awards Ceremony we could see on her eyes, “Are you sure I have to go on the top of the podium?” said Nico Lebrun -XTERRA European Tour Director. “Thank you Brigitta, for being so passionate and putting so much energy in XTERRA. I hope to see you winning for many years!”
XE: What is your Name, Country and residence?
My name is Brigitta Poór. I am living in Sopron, Hungary.
XE: Are you a full time pro Athlete, if not what is your occupation?
Yes, I have been a full time pro Athlete in the past 5 years.
XE: Family Status?
I am in a relationship
XE: What is your daily or weekly training plan?
I have to say that, I train hard. More than 30 hours in a typical week: usually, 2 or 4 trainings per day. According to my training plan every day and week is different. Between two training session, I can relax. During this time, I prefer cooking or walking with my dog.
XE: What do you eat for breakfast before a big race?
The same as usual: cereal with fruits and coffee.
XE: What type of diet do you follow?
I don’t follow any diet. I eat what I like. 🙂 OK, mainly healthy food. My favorite is the Italian cuisine.
XE: How many years you have you been involved with XTERRA?
8 years till now. My first XTERRA race was in Austria in 2009.
XE: What is your athletic background-How did you started?
I started with swimming when I was 7 years old.
XE: Which of the three disciplines is your favorite?
This is a hard question, I really love each parts. Maybe the swimming is my favorite.
XE: How many XTERRA did you raced in 2016, (results)
I participated in 8 XTERRA races in 2016:
- XTERRA Malta 1st place
- XTERRA Portugal 3rd place
- XTERRA Greece 2nd place
- XTERRA Switzerland 6th place
- XTERRA France 4th place
- XTERRA Poland 2nd place
- XTERRA Germany 3rd place
- XTERRA Denmark 1st place
XE: You won the European Tour last year, do you start to be more popular in Hungary, do you think more athletes will start to follow you and race Xterra?
Unfortunately Football and the Olympic sports are the most popular in my Country. Nevertheless, I hope based on my result, many people will try this fantastic sport!
XE: I think you have a perfect country for XTERRA, any chances to see an XTERRA Hungary soon ?
Thank you! I think also my country is a perfect place for an exciting XTERRA race. I hope in the nearest future we can organize an XTERRA Hungary. There is a hope, because Ironman and the road triathlon were very popular in Hungary in the last years.
XE: Which XTERRA race is your favorite?
I can’t really choose! Every place, every organizer, courses are special. I love them all.
XE: How do you keep the balance between regular (work), family, friends and training? How do you keep motivated?
Fortunately my friends understand how important training is for me, but when I have time, we can meet and have a cup of coffee, or have a cake together. My boyfriend is a really good bicycle rider so we can train together. I feel lucky as he is able to join me in some XTERRA races and this helps me a lot.
XE: What is your suggestion to someone that wants to change his life and start racing pro in XTERRA ?
As it requires hard work and time, be motivated and intent. You should love what you do.
XE: In 2015 you won your first XTERRA, last year the European Tour, what is your Goal for 2017?
Unfortunately, the new points system is not helpful me, I cannot travel to all European races to collect as much points as possible. My goal for 2017 is to win the most races possible and go to the World Championship, which is my biggest dream. 😉
XE: Thank you very much Brigitta, all the best for the new season!