Anna
“[Being a woman] means fighting being put into a box of what a woman should do.”
Anna is a decorated athlete in the sport of arm wrestling, whose focus and determination have been a catalyst for her success. When she is not in the gym training, her selfless and compassionate spirit can be found volunteering at an animal shelter or spending quality time with family. Although competition requires an immense amount of mental and physical strength, as well as the will to overcome injuries and negativity, her presence in this sport has helped to raise the bar of achievement for female athletes everywhere, proving that women have a place at the table. Meet Anna. This is her story.
Anna competing at the arm wrestling table
K: Please introduce yourself!
A: I’m Anna Grönlund, 45 years old and living in Denmark but originally from Sweden. I compete in professional arm wrestling and work at an IT company.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
A: I’m an independent and strong woman that has been taught from an early age that girls/ women can do anything.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
A: That I’m so persistent and keep going even when the odds are against me.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
A: 3.5 years ago I realized I wanted to change careers. At the same time, I got divorced and moved in with my parents. That made me understand I need to spend more time with them and that they will not be there for me forever. Also, that they always support me no matter what. I’m the first one in my family to pursue an athletic career and even though they may not understand, they are always there for me to cheer, support and push.
Anna at the cat shelter where she volunteers
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: It gets better, the bullying stops and you get both a good job, get to experience real love and feel truly happy.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: It means fighting being put into a box of what a woman should do. I have for example chosen not to have kids and that’s something I often get to hear is strange.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
A: My mother without a doubt. She stopped school early, has been working hard to get a good life and is still working and enjoying the working Life🙌. She is the one always saying: you can do anything you set your mind to ❤️.
Anna at work