Jitse Kramer

Career highlight
Jitse’s proudest moment? Winning his first Strongest Man of the Netherlands title, despite tearing his Achilles tendon during the final event, the legendary Stones of Strength. He pushed through with pure willpower and walked away a champion.

Pre-competition routine
In the week leading up to a competition, Jitse takes five to six full rest days and eats even more than usual to fuel up. This energy reserve helps him push harder on competition day. He also relies on a standard checklist to make sure he’s fully prepared.Simple but essential.

Dream
Jitse dreamed of becoming one of the strongest men in the Netherlands, and with OG, he made it happen. These days, that dream is evolving. Now 44, he’s focused on passing on his knowledge to the next generation, though he still has the power to compete if the moment calls for it.

Hobbies
His full-time hobby of elite sport has shifted toward bodybuilding and cutting. Training remains his passion, both in the gym and through his work as a personal trainer and online coach. He’s also transformed physically, dropping from 165 kg to 135 kg. Outside the gym, he enjoys quiet nights at home binge-watching series.

Guilty pleasure
Star Trek. Yes, he’s a full-on Trekkie, and in his opinion, way better than Star Wars.