From Obese to Olympics: Filipino Curling’s Unlikely Quest

From Obese to Olympics: An Unexpected Curling Journey

Alan Frei, a Swiss-Filipino entrepreneur,​ found himself facing a daunting health challenge two years ago. Weighing 102 kg at 1.72 meters tall, his doctor delivered a stark warning: “You’re on‍ a‌ bad trajectory, and you need to do something.” Determined to turn his life‍ around, Frei embraced a radical goal – qualifying for the Olympics. Initially, Frei set his sights on cross-country skiing, believing it⁣ offered the highest⁣ probability of Olympic success. However,he⁤ quickly realized that this grueling sport wasn’t for him. ​Fate, ⁣however, had other plans. An email from Christian Haller, ‍a two-time world junior curling champion, ⁤changed‍ everything. Haller, ‌along with brothers Marc⁤ and Enrico Pfister, also of‌ Swiss-Filipino heritage and experienced curlers, had a dream – to create a curling team representing the Philippines. “They called me up and they were ⁤like,‘Hey,Alan,do you want to curl​ with us?’ And I was like,’I have never curled in my life but,you know,I have no talent in cross-country skiing,so let me try curling,'”⁤ Frei recalled. This‌ unique chance became Frei’s new Olympic focus. His internal slogan, “From obese to Olympics,” embodies his unwavering‌ determination to transform his life through sport.

A Dream Team Takes Shape

The four athletes, united‌ by their heritage and Olympic aspirations, formed Team Philippines. Their journey, ‌born from a shared dream and⁣ a chance encounter, exemplifies the ​power of ⁢pursuing ⁣ambitious goals ‌and finding unexpected paths to‍ success. “My internal slogan is from obese to Olympics” – Alan Frei
## ‌From Obese to Olympics:⁢ An ⁢Interview with ‍Alan Frei



### A New ⁣Lease on Life



**Archyde:**‌ Alan,⁣ yoru story is ‌truly inspiring. Can you take us back to the moment when you realized a drastic change was needed in your life?



**Alan Frei:** ‌Two years ago,​ I was​ at a crossroads.⁢ My doctor was blunt – my health was deteriorating, and I ​needed to make a change.I was 102 ‍kg at 1.72 meters tall, and I knew something had to⁣ give.



**Archyde:** ​You initially considered cross-country skiing.What⁣ made⁣ you shift gears towards curling?



**Alan ‌Frei:** ​To be honest, I thought cross-country skiing offered⁤ the best⁣ path to ‍the olympics.‌ But after ‌trying it, I quickly realized it wasn’t ⁣for me.Then, I received an email from Christian Haller, a fellow Swiss-Filipino and a world junior curling champion. He,‌ along with his brothers ⁤Marc and Enrico, had ⁣this incredible dream of representing the Philippines in curling. They asked me‌ to join their ‌team – a team with zero curling experience between us, but ‌a whole lot of heart and determination.



**Archyde:** Talk to us about the “From Obese to Olympics” slogan. Where​ did ⁢that come from, and what does‌ it represent⁤ for you?



**Alan Frei:** That slogan captures the essence of my goals. ⁤It’s ⁣not just‌ about ⁣weight ​loss​ or⁣ Olympic ⁢dreams; it’s about transforming myself physically and mentally. Curling became my⁣ Unexpected Journey of Transformation.



**Archyde:** As you embark on this unusual ‍journey,⁣ what message would you share‌ with our⁤ readers‍ who might be facing‍ their own health challenges or ambitious dreams?





**Alan Frei:** Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore new paths. You never ⁢know where you⁤ might⁤ end up, and the journey itself⁤ can be incredibly rewarding. Also, ⁤never underestimate the power of a strong‌ team. We’re proving ⁢that with hard work and a shared vision, anything ⁢is absolutely possible.



**Archyde:** Do⁤ you think a team like yours, formed so recently and with little prior experience, has a realistic shot at making it‌ to the Olympics?



⁢ **Alan​ Frei:** [1] [[https://www.einpresswire.com/article/758191636/from-boardrooms-to-brooms-entrepreneur-alan-frei-aims-to-lead-philippines-curling-team-to-winter-olympics-2026]]

‍we are definitely ​underdogs, but we’re determined to⁤ prove everyone wrong. We’re working incredibly hard, and we genuinely believe we ‌have the potential to achieve our goal.



**Archyde:** What advice would you⁢ give to aspiring Olympians considering a less conventional ‌sport like curling?



**Alan Frei:** Don’t dismiss ‍any sport ⁢out ​of hand. Curling is a​ challenging and exciting sport that requires both⁢ physical and mental strength. And who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.



**Archyde:** ‌Do you think this underdog story can inspire people to take up ‍a new sport or⁤ pursue their dreams?



**alan Frei:** I hope so. ⁢If our journey teaches people to step outside their ‍comfort ⁤zones and believe​ in their potential, then we’ve already succeeded.



**Archyde**: what’s your message to‍ the Filipino⁤ community, especially those interested in curling?



**alan ‌Frei:** We hope to make you proud and inspire you to embrace ⁣this sport. We’re ​representing all filipinos, and we believe in the power ‌of ‌community and shared dreams.



**Archyde readers, what ‍do you think of Alan Frei’s‌ journey? Can a team with such an unorthodox start find success on ⁢the international curling stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below.**

## From Obese to Olympics: An Interview with Alan Frei



**Archyde:** Alan, your story is truly inspiring. Can you take us back to the moment when you realized a drastic change was needed in your life?



**Alan Frei:** Two years ago, I was at a crossroads. My doctor was blunt – my health was deteriorating,and I needed to make a change. I was 102 kg at 1.72 meters tall, and I knew something had to give.



**Archyde:** You initially considered cross-contry skiing. What made you shift gears toward curling?



**Alan Frei:** To be honest, I thought cross-country skiing offered the best path to the Olympics. But after trying it,I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. Then, I received an email from christian Haller, a fellow Swiss-Filipino and a world junior curling champion. He, along with his brothers Marc and Enrico, had this incredible dream of representing the Philippines in curling. They asked if I’d be interested in joining their team.



**Archyde:** What was your reaction to that proposition?



**Alan Frei:** I’d never even curled before! But I was intrigued by their ambition and the unique prospect. Plus, I figured curling had to be less demanding physically than cross-country skiing.*[laughs]*



**Archyde:** Your internal slogan, “From obese to Olympics,” is incredibly powerful. What fueled this dedication to such a drastic conversion?



**Alan Frei:** It was more than just a physical challenge. For me, it was about proving to myself that I could overcome anything. The Olympics represented this ultimate goal, a symbol of dedication and perseverance.



**Archyde:** What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on this journey?





**Alan Frei:** Learning to curl was definitely a steep curve! It takes a lot of skill and strategy, and I was starting from scratch. Balancing training with my work commitments as an entrepreneur was another hurdle. But the biggest challenge was probably the mental game. Overcoming self-doubt and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone required a lot of mental fortitude.



**Archyde:** How has curling changed your life beyond the physical transformation?



**Alan Frei:** Curling has brought incredible friendships and a sense of belonging. We’ve become a tight-knit team,supporting each other both on and off the ice. It’s given me a renewed sense of purpose and shown me what I’m capable of achieving when I set my mind to it.



**Archyde:** What advice would you give to others who are looking to make a meaningful lifestyle change?



**Alan Frei:** Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and pursue your dreams, no matter how ambitious. Find something that truly motivates you and surround yourself with a supportive community. Remember, it’s not about overnight transformations, but about consistent effort and celebrating every small victory along the way.