Athletes Story — Oliver Hartkopp

Oliver Hartkopp is a 7 time Danish Surf Champion aiming for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics 

Oliver grew up in a small city in northeastern Denmark close to the Kattegat ocean, with both of his parents and older brother being very active and passionate about sports. Both parents had previously competed in triathlons, winning medals both nationally and internationally.

Oliver and his brother spent many of their childhood vacations at Club la Santa. It was on one of these vacations Oliver's brother had his first encounter with surfing at Famara Beach.  Surfing at Famara Beach proved to be the turning point in which surfing entered the life of both brothers. 

On their return to Denmark, Oliver's older brother instantly took up surfing at the local Ålsgarde Surfclub with help from the local surf shop in Helsingør called Darkblue Boardshop. Being 4 years younger, Oliver always looked up to his older brother and after testing his own skills surfing the ocean, Oliver was hooked.  But, the only waves for the boys to surf were primarily the waves that the Oslo Ferry created early in the morning and late in the evening. Every evening, at 7:15, Oliver was in the water, trying to catch that one ferry wave before bedtime. It was all that mattered to him at that time.  There were no iPhones or iPads, and kids had to be creative to have fun. They would often go out on surfing adventures without their parents. 

Oliver quickly made friends through surfing and eventually had the opportunity to surf in Portugal with another family.  His mom was very supportive and encouraged him to follow his passion. "I am so thankful today that my mom supported me in following my dream and allowing me to surf... I was 13 years old when I travelled to Portugal for three weeks, living with my friend and his family. My mother later told me that she couldn't decide whether she was the best or the worst mom in the world for allowing me to go to Portugal like that", says Oliver, breaking into a big smile. In his opinion, she was definitely the best.

After finishing middle school, Oliver took a gap year to travel for a bit and surf. For him, traveling alone as a 15-year-old taught him to be independent and self-reliant. A year that marked a time of development and freedom.

Being back in Denmark also meant going back to school—something that would inevitably steal him away from the water. Once again, an opportunity presented itself when a friend's father offered to let Oliver stay with them at their home in Klitmøller to attend high school there. They also helped make Oliver's dream of combining surf and studies possible by getting the school principal to grant him pre-approved absences to surf at a high level. 
"So, at 16, I left home and loved every bit of it," he recalls.
 
The homework and rigidity of elementary school was not a favorite time in Oliver's life. However, the flexibility he found in Thisted High School motivated him to study and do well. For him, it was the game-changer he needed to turn opportunities into a multitude of achievements:
 
"Since graduating high school, I have become a 7 time Danish Champion. 
I am the captain of the national surf team.
I have represented Denmark at the European- and World Championships.
I have placed top 3 twice at the Nordic Championships. 
I have been a part of the qualifying World Tour Series."

One of the last times he participated in the World Championships was in El Salvador. After the first day of competing Oliver's wave scores and rank were all in the top ten range of the world's best surfers, he was so close to a breakthrough.
However, he injured his foot and had to take a break for six months.
"I am getting back in the game and aiming for the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
Surfing has only recently become part of the Olympics. It's historic to be able to compete in surfing at the Olympics."
Life has shown him the importance of following a dream. 
As Oliver sees it, everyone can't fit the same mold. Some people take the straight road to a secure job, and others can zig-zag their way to a life in sports.
 
"Since age 13, living the surf life and traveling alone, I have learned the best life lessons: Travel, live life, and take responsibility. Whatever you don't know how to do, you will learn. Give your children the opportunity to take responsibility if they desire to do so and travel alone. It's life-changing for them and their development."
 
As for the future and what it holds for Oliver, he says:
Things always work out, and I can always go back to studying or get a job. Right now, my girlfriend Freja and I are living our dream life – we take things as they come, doing what we love the most each and every day.

Follow Oliver on Instagram @olihartkopp