Bjorn Dunkerbeck was born on July 16th 1969 and during his illustrious career has achieved legendary status as one of the greatest windsurf competitors of all time, racking up an incredible 42 world titles! John Carter caught up with the big man in Gran Canaria during his 50th birthday celebrations for an appropriate return of the ‘big 50’ interview!
So how did you celebrate the big 50?
BD: The big 50! First I had a nice dinner with my parents and my family on the 16th, with my sister as well, of course, her daughter and my four kids, also one friend of my parents, the first windsurfer of Pozo Izquierdo, Klaus. Then last night we had a dinner for 40 as well, some friends and family. So two parties, well two dinner parties! We went to a place in the south of the island, my old friend Vidar Jensen was there as well. It was just a dinner party, so finished reasonably early!
How do you feel now you are fifty, mentally and physically?
BD: Well I’m pretty happy that I made it to 50 still intact with only a few small adjustments, and I’m actually feeling much better right now than I was a few years ago.
Are you scared of getting old?
BD: No! I’d be more scared of not getting old! Unfortunately, I know quite a few who didn’t make it to 50. I’m very happy. I still have both my parents who are over 70 themselves, and they are still very fit. So I guess I have good genes and I would definitely like to make it through to at least 80 and still be on the water. My father is 75 five right now and he still goes windsurfing a few times a week. So that is the plan.
Do you feel 50 in your mind and body?
BD: I don’t really feel 50 for sure. I used to look at the 50-year-olds 20 years ago and thought they were really old. Now I’m there myself and I don’t think that way anymore. I guess that has to do with still doing a lot of sports - windsurfing, biking, stand up paddling and diving, and that all keeps me relatively young. In Gran Canaria, we have strong winds to sail in and that keeps you sharp as well! It all helps to become a 50-year old that’s maybe only a 40 year old!
“I DON’T REALLY FEEL 50 FOR SURE.”
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