Iceland sends Swiss soldier to EuroGames

Ten Icelandic athletes are set to compete at the EuroGames in Stockholm in August. On the team is Swiss ex-soldier Stephan Jón Hufschmid who’s determined to set a personal goal.

“Yes, I’ve set my mind on it, that’s something I always do,” says Stephan, who will be competing in swimming, that is in the 100 meter breaststroke and in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle stroke – to be exact.

Stephan Jón Hufschmid is one of seven on Styrmir's swimming team. He's lived in Iceland since . He now speaks the language fluently and says that even though Icelanders make fun of his punctuality, his Swiss friends shake their heads and tell him he’s lost all his organisational skills.
Stephan Jón Hufschmid is one of seven on Styrmir’s swimming team. He’s lived in Iceland since 2009. He now speaks the language fluently and says that even though Icelanders make fun of his punctuality, his Swiss friends shake their heads and tell him he’s lost all his organisational skills.

For the past year Stephan has been training hard with Styrmir, Iceland’s queer sports club for the EuroGames, which are considered one of the largest LGBTQI sport, cultural and political events in the world. This year around 5.000 pariticipants are scheduled to compete and over 200.000 guests are expected to show up for the tournament which will take place in Sweden between 5th to 9th of August. The Icelandic delegation consists of ten athletes who will be competing in 3 disciplines: running, dancing and swimming. This is the second time Iceland takes part and according to Stephan training has generally been going very well.

“Unfortunately there was an accident. One of our swimmers, Julio, was also going to compete in diving, so he had to practice with a gymnastic group as well. And then after one jump he landed very badly so he broke both his legs,” he says. ”Thankfully he can walk now, but not compete. Apart from that, everything has gone very well thanks to a great coach, Hólmgeir Reynisson, a good programe and bunch of very determined athletes,” he adds with a smile.

But why did join Styrmir’s swimming team in the first place?

“What I like about swimming is how you’re on your own,” Stephan explains. “You can’t blame anyone else if you don’t succeed. Not your team members, not a lousy judge, no one. Only yourself.” Sounds harsh, hard-core and very mature.

But that’s how Stephan sees things and maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise considering his background. Stephan is originally from Switzerland but has been an Icelandic citizen since 2009. He first came to Iceland in 1996, as an ICYE volunteer, to work on a farm in Hvalfjörður, (which is a deep fjord just north of Reykjavík city).

“I was on a farm for a whole year, just milking cows,” he laughingly describes. He actually did such a good job, that he was offered to come back the following year, which he did. “After that I left for home, but the bond I had made with Iceland kept pulling and finally I came back in 2000, this time for good.”

“Unfortunately there was an accident. One of our swimmers…landed very badly so he broke both his legs.”

Before moving to Iceland, Stephan was a member of the Swiss army. “I finished 17 weeks of military school and then did three weeks of army practice every other year. Total time around 225 days,” he recalls and says he wasn’t very fond of the military school. “The school was run with tyranny and some of the things we were asked to do were ridiculous, like crawling through muddy puddles in freezing weather. When I started army practice things had started to change a bit, because of results of recent public voting, where almost 30% of the people wanted to shut down the army. The army had started to focus on working as a whole, where everyone had a mutual goal.”

Training in the army.
Stephan (back row, fifth from left) training in military school.

Despite how harsh things were in the army, Stephan says he sees his time there as a good time. However, coming out was not an option. “There would have been severe bullying. I remember one friend of mine, who was a bit slower than the rest, a little different maybe, and that was enough. He was bullied all the time. I don’t even want to imagine how it would have been, coming out as gay.”

In 2008 Stephan joined Styrmir, which back then only had a soccer team, and he says it helped him a in regards to coming out. “It really opened a new door into social group of LGBT people, which I hadn’t had before. I’m not a big fan of the nightlife you see. I’d rather hang out with friends at home and play cards or board games,” he explains. “Sports and outdoor activities are more of my thing, so when I heard of the soccer team, I saw an opportunity to meet guys who might be like-minded and who were also gay.”

In 2009 he went with the team to compete in the OutGames in Copenhagen, which is similar to EuroGames, only worldwide. In 2010 he went to Cologne to compete in the Gaygames, in 2012 he competed in Stockholm with his team and then in 2013 he went with Styrmir to Seattle IGLA (International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics) where he competed in his first international swimming tournament.
Stephan, on the right, with his friends in Styrmir, at the Seattle IGLA (International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics) in 2013. In 2009 he went with Styrmir to compete in the OutGames in Copenhagen, which is similar to EuroGames, only worldwide. In 2010 he competed with Styrmir in the GayGames at Cologne and in 2012 he competed in Stockholm.

Although Styrmir was a stepping stone in Stephan’s coming out story, it wasn’t the first time he came out. “When I was around 18-19 I tried coming out to my friends and family in Switzerland. It was during the time when AIDS had recently come up and my family didn’t take this very well,” Stephan explains. He pauses for a bit. “Today I can say that I understand their reaction, but back then I just kind of sneaked back into the closet.”

Stephan says he also feels more at ease with his sexuality in Iceland than in Switzerland. “Homosexuality is more hidden in Switzerland. It’s not out in the open, you don’t really hear about gay politicians, for example.” And there are no such things as Out and proud or Refusing to be invisible. As a result Stephan feels he also has to lay a bit low there. “Although my family and friends back home have accepted that I’m gay, people’s attitude is to ignore it rather than embrace it.”

Therefor Stephan feels that  events such as EuroGames and LGBTQI sport teams are necessary. “Mainly I think they’re important in group sports, such as soccer, but also in swimming. I think prejudice still exists in these kind of sports, although it doesn’t seem to be that common in Iceland and almost non-existent amongst women.”

When asked about how the Icelandic delegation feels about going to Stockholm, Stephan says that they’re a little bit nervous about doing well, but mostly excited. And although swimmer Julio is not allowed to compete due to injuries Stephan says he won’t be left behind. ”Oh no. He’ll be cheering for us on the sideline.”

Main photo: Stephan in the army. Background picture shows Styrmir’s soccer team.

Á. Óskarsson
Á. Óskarsson

Á. Óskarsson offers a variety of products and services to sports centers, swimming pools, schools, kindergartens, and the general public. The company specializes in sport-related products, activity-focused games, and a wide range of solutions for sports facilities.

Á. Óskarsson has been involved in numerous big projects related to building sports facilities and has made it their benchmark to offer good quality products and equipment since the company was founded.

See links to social media in the upper left-hand corner

—————-

Á. Óskarsson selur fjölbreytt vöruúrval fyrir íþróttahús, sundlaugar, skóla og leikskóla og einnig ýmsar vörur til einkaafnota. Fyrirtækið selur vörur til íþróttaiðkunnar og leikja ásamt því að bjóða upp á ýmsar lausnir fyrir íþróttamannvirki.

Á. Óskarsson hefur komið að fjölda stórra verkefna við byggingu íþróttamannvirkja og hefur frá stofnun kappkostað að bjóða vandaðar og endingargóðar vörur.

Tenglar á samfélagsmiðla eru í efra horninu vinstra megin.

Webpage/vefsetur

Blush

    Blush was founded in 2011 when it started selling high quality sex products. The goal from the beginning was to change the market and take the discussion about sex products to a higher level. Today Blush provides professional services in a pleasant environment that fulfills different needs, both for individuals and couples. Blush respects diversity and wants to set a good example in all of its messaging to target audiences. Sexual health and equality in sex is important and Blush wants to focus on those issues through education and open discussion. Blush works in a socially responsible manner for society, their customers and the environment.

    Check out Blush’s website: https://blush.is/

    Omnom Chocolate
    - award-winning chocolate maker

      Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based in Reykjavík. We produce handcrafted chocolate from organic cacao beans sourced ethically and sustainably. We’ve developed direct relationships to create premium chocolate with fine flavor cacao beans.

      Our creative flavors are carefully crafted by meticulous chocolate makers. The cacao beans are roasted, winnowed, ground, and refined into melty-smooth chocolate.

      Omnom’s process is one of constant exploration, invention, and experimentation. If it doesn’t please us, if something isn’t absolutely delicious, there’s no reason to be doing it. So, we always start with our taste buds and follow our instincts. Our team searches for the finest ingredients in the world and new ways to improve chocolate. This obsession with knowing where our ingredients come from has led us around the corner to dairy farms in the Icelandic countryside and all the way to rainforest cacao farms of Nicaragua.

      In only a few short years, we’ve grown from our 50 sq. m. petrol station space and become an award-winning chocolate maker. Now, with our headquarters in 101 Reykjavík, our chocolate is sent out around Iceland and all over the world.

      At the end of the day, our goal is to make chocolate.

       

      Nasdaq

         

        Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

        With over 4,300 employees in 39 offices around the world, at Nasdaq we all contribute to the success of the company and its culture, and each one of us has the ability to make a difference. When it comes to our core mission and values, we embrace the role of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) as a fundamental driver of our corporate growth, workplace culture and market development. We strive to create a culture that embraces the power of different perspectives—a culture where people’s unique backgrounds and different experiences helps us fuel innovation and support our clients around the world.

        Our unique position at the center of the capital markets allows us to see firsthand how these values have redefined corporate culture and success, deepening and accelerating our own commitment to champion inclusive growth and prosperity, as we strive to create more equitable opportunities to help people of all backgrounds reach their full potential. Most notably, we published our diversity statistics for the first time in 2020. These metrics serve as a quantitative assessment of where we are today and help determine what strategies we need to adopt to enhance diversity in the workplace. We recognize that we have much work to do, but we are steadfast in our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture—one that reflects the communities in which we live, allows all employees to be their true, authentic selves and fosters individual growth and achievement.

        As we move forward together, we will continue advancing diverse ideas and perspectives that help fulfill the promise of a more inclusive and prosperous world. We aim to set the pace for rethinking capital markets and economies anywhere and everywhere. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

        Blue Lagoon
        - One of the 25 Wonders of the World

        Named by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the Blue Lagoon is a shimmering expanse of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Its unique geothermal seawater
        comes from 2.000 meters within the earth where seawater and freshwater converge in a tectonic realm of porous lava and searing heat. Propelled by extreme pressure, the water ascends to the earth’s surface, emerging enriched with silica, algae, and minerals—the elements that endow Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater with its radiant, healing properties.

        From its humble beginnings in the shadows of a geothermal power plant, Blue Lagoon has evolved into a world of wonder, now encompassing two hotels, three restaurants, three
        geothermal lagoons, a subterranean spa, a renowned line of skin care, a thriving research center, and a wealth of spa and refreshment facilities.

        Achieving harmony with the volcanic landscape, the lagoon and its surrounding architecture embody the unification of the man-made and the natural, and adhere to the highest principles of sustainability.

        The Blue Lagoon. A wonder of the world. A world of wonder.

        Landsbankinn
        - leading financial institution
        Landsbankinn

        Landsbankinn is a leading Icelandic financial institution. It offers a full range of financial services and is the market leader in the Icelandic financial service sector with the largest branch network.

        The present bank was established on 7 October 2008 but the history of its predecessor dates back to 1886. The bank is owned by the National Treasury of Iceland, which holds 98.2% of its share capital, and other shareholders who own 1.8%.

        Landsbankinn’s strategy is to provide comprehensive financial services that meet customer’s needs. It emphasizes providing exemplary service to customers, developing e-banking for their convenience, increasing the efficiency of support functions, modernizing its technology and ensuring effective utilization of its balance sheet.

        The bank’s vision is to be exemplary and its role is to be a trusted financial partner.

        Special emphasis is placed on promoting a performance-oriented culture in the bank. To follow up on the implementation of this strategy, the bank has defined key goals which are measured regularly to determine progress. These goals include, for example, customer satisfaction and loyalty, profitability, cost efficiency and the correlation between risk appetite and employee satisfaction.

        Landsbankinn wishes to lead the development of a sustainable society in Iceland by integrating economic, social and environmental concerns in its operations. The Bank aims to ensure that both its owners and society at large benefit from its activities.

        It intends to achieve this aim by building solid infrastructure and a strong team of 1.100 employees, by listening to its customers and by respecting and encouraging its employees to actively participate in their community. Landsbankinn was a founding member of Festa, a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

        Landsbankinn has been a proud sponsor of the Reykjavik Pride since it was first celebrated in Iceland.

        Dohop
        - get inspired
        Dohop

        Dohop allows people to find the cheapest flights available with just one click. Founded in Reykjavik in 2004, it is the only Icelandic company of its kind and quickly became the go-to tool for finding cheap flights among the locals. Dohop finds the best deals among hundreds of different airlines and online travel agencies, to make sure that the user is getting the cheapest price. Dohop also offers hotel and car rental search engines, so users can make all of their travel bookings from a single website.

        Dohop‘s specialty is finding so-called “self-connect” flight options, which can save travelers money by booking a ticket through two or more different airlines. The ability to look for these self-connect option is what sets Dohop apart from its competition, as it can save people hundreds of dollars on certain routes.

        More recently, Dohop has developed a unique product called Dohop Go!, which allows users to check for the cheapest available flights from their home airport. This tool is perfect for those who are looking for travel inspiration but are not willing to overpay for their flight ticket. Dohop Go! is now available in the Dohop Flights App, both for Android and iOS, along with its traditional flight, hotel, and car search engines. “

        VSÓ Ráðgjöf

           

          VSÓ Ráðgjöf er alhliða ráðgjafar- og verkfræðifyrirtæki sem leggur áherslu á trausta og faglega þjónustu sem tryggir viðskiptavinum hagkvæmustu lausnir hverju sinni, skilar raunverulegum árangri og stuðlar að samkeppnisforskoti.  Á skrifstofum VSÓ í Reykjavík og í Noregi starfar yfir 80 manna samhentur hópur verkfræðinga og annarra tæknimenntaðra starfsmanna.

          Macland
          - for all your Apple needs
          Macland

          From starting out as a proper startup with only a good idea and the need to change things, to becoming an established company with 6 employees. Starting from scratch and expanding organically has allowed us to love our expansion and take our customers on the ride with us.

          Macland is located at Laugavegur 23 (101, Downtown Reykjavik)
          For all your Apple needs. We are here.

          Ísey skyr
          - once tasted never forgotten

          Our Story
          Once upon a time, 1,100 years ago in fact, Nordic settlers began arriving in Iceland. They brought with them the skills and knowledge for producing skyr. As time passed, the know-how and recipe for this nutritious food slowly faded out elsewhere in the Nordic region. Luckily, the Icelandic skyr-making tradition continued.

          For centuries, Icelandic skyr formed a cornerstone of the national diet, helping to keep people strong in living conditions that were often harsh. On family farms countrywide, it was the women who nurtured this dairy and passing on both the recipe and the original Icelandic skyr cultures from mother to daughter.

          Ísey skyr builds on this remarkable legacy. It was some of those very same women, the recipients of their mothers’ expertise, who, around 90 years ago, taught Icelandic dairy scientists the art of skyr-making. The production process is more high-tech these days, and the quality standards more rigorous. However, the basic recipe and the use of original cultures to ferment the skimmed milk remain the same. Protein rich, fat-free, creamy and delicious – Ísey skyr is as relevant to consumers now as it was all those centuries ago.
          This is our secret and you are in on it

          You can read more about Ísey skyr on our website.

          Contact Us


          PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20vbWFwcy9lbWJlZD9wYj0hMW0xNCExbTEyITFtMyExZDI3ODQyLjM0NzA2NDA3OTU4ITJkLTIxLjkwMDg1MDg1NzkxODQyITNkNjQuMTQxNzA3ODE2NzAyMDEhMm0zITFmMCEyZjAhM2YwITNtMiExaTEwMjQhMmk3NjghNGYxMy4xITVlMCEzbTIhMXNlbiEycyE0djE0MzMzMzc5MTUyMjYiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCUiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBzdHlsZT0iYm9yZGVyOjAiPjwvaWZyYW1lPg==
          Thank You. We will contact you as soon as possible.