Three words to describe your character: Positive, happy, openminded!
Star sign: Capricorn.

In the sailing world, Sweden’s Magnus Olsson needs no introduction.  His legendary accomplishments are second only to his antics: Olsson is never far from a laugh.

His decision to join the crew for a sixth Volvo Ocean Race is testament to his passionate and energetic nature at the age of 59.  “If I didn’t think I could do it, I would have said no.  But no one else thinks of my age as an issue, so I don’t’ either,” he says.

His sons, not yet in their 20s, channel the Olsson energy into other sports: one son is a hockey player while the other devotes his heart and soul to football.

“They did not get the sailing bug,” says Olsson with a large smile and not a hint of regret.  The family used to travel to stopovers when Olsson was on a round-the world adventure. But by now, when his sons are grown and on the sixth epic journey, the family will stick to long-distance phone calls, “About twice a week is enough. They’re grown and busy these days,” he says, adding though, that they always enjoy each other’s company when given the opportunity to be in the same place at the same time.

If he’s not on the water, Magnus Olsson is on a bicycle outside, riding to a workout or riding for the sake of enjoyment.  He’s the one who engages strangers in long conversations stemmed by his undying curiosity.

If he weren’t sailing, Olsson knows without hesitation which profession he would have chosen. “I was a computer engineer for a short while before I started sailing full-time.  I like technology and figuring things out,” he says.

And how will the Nordic coach adapt to being, as it were, in the same boat with the other crewmembers under Anders Lewander?   Olsson says the key was earning a spot not only from the skipper, but also from fellow crewmembers:

“I felt they wanted me on board and that made a big difference. I don’t want to be on board if I’m not wanted. But after a while I felt my experience was paying off and maybe I can contribute good things. So now that I’m on board I’m really happy ,” says Olsson with a wide smile.