The Bryde Brothers – Moving Forward
Do you remember the two brothers, Philip and Nikolaj, who dreamed of competing at the Olympic Games in Paris in their kayaks? Innologic awarded them a sponsorship to support their pursuit.
Dedicated to the project and with an impressive effort, the brothers came very close to fulfilling their dream. At the same time, they played a significant role as part of the team behind the Olympic athletes who ultimately made it to the Games.
The dream of representing Denmark at the Olympics was not realized in Paris – but it lives on. That is the power of the Olympics: to ignite a flame and renew the hope of competing at the most prestigious sporting event in the world. LA 2028 is the next goal.
First, it is time to recover.
The past 12 months have been intense. Both Philip and Nikolaj have been full-time athletes in order to prepare optimally for the 2024 season and the ultimate Olympic trials. Preparations for the Olympics begin years in advance, and in kayaking, the final year consists of an endless series of tests, qualification regattas nationally and internationally, training camps, and extensive travel. The Bryde brothers have not only competed against each other, but also against the rest of an exceptionally strong Danish national team.
It is special to be so close to others for such a long time. Both training volume and technical focus increased significantly to peak for the Olympic trials in late spring 2024.
Philip: “In a couple of weeks, the Danish Championships are coming up. After that, I’m looking forward to adjusting my training to a level that matches a normal winter season. My goal is to find calm in both body and mind. Physically, it has been extremely demanding to train at such a high level for a year. Mentally, I need to create some distance from the dream of Paris and find a path toward the goal of LA.”
For both brothers, the opportunity to be full-time athletes has been crucial in their preparation for the Olympic trials. Innologic has supported their Olympic dream, allowing for greater focus and reduced pressure.
From autumn, Philip will combine his kayaking with the start of his studies and a part-time job.
A Serious Crash
For Nikolaj, the past 12 months have been particularly tough. In an accident during the winter, Nikolaj suffered a concussion. It was serious. He was unable to compete in the spring selection events and therefore had no opportunity to qualify for the Olympics.
During the spring, Nikolaj underwent several specialized treatments, including hypoxic therapy – an intensive oxygen-based treatment that has shown positive effects on long-term concussion symptoms.
“I am so grateful for the support and assistance Innologic has provided in addition to the treatment course with Team Denmark’s medical staff. It has been dreadful to accept the length and consequences of this process,” says Nikolaj, who feels acknowledged, understood, and encouraged to continue. Nikolaj will spend the rest of the year recovering, continue his treatments, and begin his studies in the winter. He is not giving up kayaking. He continues forward – a motto both brothers often share.
Strong Results
Despite the dashed Olympic dreams, 2024 has offered highlights worth emphasizing. In the K2 event with his partner from last year’s medal successes, Philip came very close to qualifying their boat for the Olympic trials in late spring. Close is still far from enough – but many months of training hours in Italy, Florida, and Denmark have been invested. Lessons they can carry forward.
Between travels, Philip and Nikolaj have monitored their development through VO2 max testing. Philip considers these tests an important tool for optimizing training efficiency. This monitoring of performance and development potential has been made possible in collaboration with Innologic.
Both brothers were selected for the U23 European Championships and the U23 World Championships. Nikolaj’s lingering concussion symptoms challenged his performance potential. However, Philip achieved solid and satisfying results. Philip has also used his sprint kayaking talent from the shorter distances to challenge himself in marathon events. He won bronze in the K2 marathon at the Danish Championships, where 30 kilometers are completed at a pace few would believe possible.
Nikolaj has been selected to compete at the Nordic Championships (NM) in mid-August, where he will race in both K2 and K4.
At the end of August, the Danish Championships take place. After that, both brothers can close the chapter on the 2024 Olympic season and use the winter to set new goals. They will undoubtedly return to national team training camps in the spring, when a new season begins and new results are to be pursued.
“The collaboration with Innologic around the Olympic dream of 2024 has been unique and educational,” say Philip and Nikolaj. Professional support has added an extra dimension. It has created new opportunities and positive attention. They add: “We keep fighting – together and individually. The goal is the 2028 Olympics – and the path there must be planned. We will of course stay in touch with Innologic and say a big thank you for the support we have received in pursuing our dream of reaching the Olympics in 2024.”