Anki Honkala, aka “Cobra”, known from the 90’s Gladiators TV series, is still chasing a final place at the fitness sports World Championships in Spain even at the age of 58.
The pain was intense when the witch arrow struck Anki Honkala on my back a couple of weeks before the Fitness Championship.
– I couldn’t do anything. I was on sick leave and I couldn’t even put on shoes myself, Honkala recalls.
Still, at the beginning of October, he took to the stage in Lahti in the wellness fitness +50 series. The result was a World Cup place in the +45 series. It was a tough trick considering the conditions.
– My back was in such a condition that it was good that I dared to step on stage with high heels. My husband had to fasten the shoelaces because I couldn’t bend down myself.
A couple of weeks later, luckily, the situation was already better, and Honkala plans to put everything into play so that she has the best possible shot at the Santa Susanna World Cup stages.
Honkala is an experienced poser. AMPoseFlow
Turbo support
Honkala has previously competed in the Women’s physique series, but when her right biceps muscle broke last January, she switched to wellness fitness.
In the World Championships, the goal is a place in the finals, i.e. getting into the top six.
– If I achieve that, I can return home satisfied. I think it’s a very realistic goal, but it requires that everything goes perfectly.
Honkala’s spouse, familiar from the Gladiators of the 90s Timo “Turbo” Honkalagoes with her to Spain.
– He is fully responsible backstage of the guardian’s duties. Timo also makes me race colors. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to get to the Games and be in that shape, Honkala thanks.
Although “Turbo” still trains hard himself and has a lot of experience in bodybuilding and wrestling, the man does not act as his spouse’s coach.
– But he gives feedback right away if it doesn’t look good, Honkala laughs.
Honkalas make a good team. The man doesn’t show a sour face, even if the wife is on a diet and the couple can’t eat together because of that.
– He supports me and accepts it, Honkala praises.
Before the World Championships, the woman plans to follow a strict diet and training regimen, but she has not set herself any weight loss goals.
– As long as it looks damn good, that’s enough, the happy Honkala laughs again.
The story continues after the picture.
The condition is tough during the World Cup. Photo: Kenneth Héd, MUA: Hanna Piittari
More equality!
For men, there are series for over 50, 55 and 60 years old at the World Championships, but on the women’s side, the oldest age group is +45. That’s a rough lady.
– After all, there is a difference when such an almost 60-year-old competes against 45-year-olds.
In Finland there is already a series for over 50s, but for some reason there has not yet been one for the women’s side in prestigious competitions organized around the world.
– I think this is a bit of an equality issue. If there are competitors, there should be more series on the women’s side as well. I hope this changes so that the rest of the world follows Finland’s example.
Honkala was the oldest fitness competitor in the World Championship qualifiers. The second oldest was 55-year-old Laura Simola, who competed in a bikini. Honkala has also worn Nestor’s cloak in recent years in value competitions.
– I have been able to shine in my own decade, because there have not been others born in the 60s, says Honkala, who was born in 1966.
Life style
4–5 gym workouts per week. In addition to that, 4–5 aerobic exercises. And a couple of posing sessions. Honkala currently trains about ten times a week.
The amount sounds huge, but according to Honkala, he now invests in quality instead of quantity. A woman also spends more time recovering.
– The older you get, the more important recovery, rest and sleep are.
A strict and disciplined life combined with a heavy amount of training requires character. Honkala has that, but he admits that quitting has already crossed his mind.
– I have told some that this is probably my last competition season, but women always have the right to change their minds! Honkala squirms.
– If there was an international fifties series, I would have a completely different attitude towards the continuation, but if there isn’t one, then you have to think about it.
Even if Honkala left the competition after this season, he would still continue to train.
– This is a way of life.
The story continues after the picture.
The camera likes it when Honkala dares to throw herself into filming sessions. Photo: Kenneth Héd, MUA: Hanna Piittari
Language geek
Honkala works as an HR specialist in the welfare region of Ostrobothnia. However, most of the working week is spent in the work of the chief shop steward.
In addition, he enjoys languages and in his free time does translation work for various parties. The languages are Finnish, Swedish and English.
– I have also read Russian, German and French, but I do not do translation work in those languages. I like languages, I’m such a language geek.
The woman is also a familiar sight at flea markets.
– I buy quality branded clothes cheaply and fix them up. It’s creative and relaxing work when you get to do something with your hands.
However, fitness is Honkala’s number one priority. The mother of two adult children urges all women to take care of themselves and enjoy everyday life.
– It doesn’t matter if you are 40, 50 or 60 years old. It’s never too late to start working out. Not everyone has to compete, but it’s worth going to the gym – not only for the body, but also for the psyche. There the mind rests!
– The whip is just a prop, no one was whipped on set, Honkala jokes. Photo: Kenneth Héd, MUA: Hanna Piittari