The time afterwards • Was back at work the next day • Got sick during the recordings
This year’s season of “Secrets of the Elite Force” has come to an end and a total of three recruits pass the selection. Camilla Salomonsson Hellman, Johanna Kämpe and Anders Suneson make it all the way to the finish line. There are tears on the spot from everyone.
The primary emotions of all three were relief, joy and pride, they told TV4.
– It feels so strange to say that you won, for me it felt more like I passed the selection. There and then it felt completely crazy, but not like I won – more like I survived. Such a strange feeling, but I was completely overjoyed, says Camilla to TV4.
Anders was also extra proud to stand there together with Camilla and Johanna.
– I was deeply impressed. It is not always apparent, but they have carried as heavy bags and canisters as everyone else. They make no distinction between the sexes, says Anders.
Johanna Kämpe, Anders Suneson and Camilla Salomonsson Hellman.
Johanna Kämpe, Anders Suneson and Camilla Salomonsson Hellman.
The last thing viewers get to see is how the participants end up in a group hug.
– It was the first time you noticed that it was a TV production, the drone shot where we stand and hug at the end was retaken three times, says Anders.
It happened after the program
When the cameras were off, the participants first had to undergo a medical check-up.
– We had to go to the doctors and check the bodies, who concluded that I had a severe respiratory infection. I had a cough and a cold, says Camilla.
– But there was no danger like that, I had a severe cold for ten days afterwards before it settled down, she continues.
After that, food was on the agenda.
– We had to sit in a warm car, where lots of hot food, cold drinks, sweets and chips were laid out. We moaned and ate. Then we went to the hotel and showered, says Johanna.
The doctors urged them to refrain from exercise for a couple of weeks – but not to sneak in the food. Instead, they would eat as much as they could.
– I’ve seen all versions of the program and what you don’t know when you watch is how limited food and sleep you get, I wasn’t prepared for that at all, says Anders.
– Afterwards, it was not possible to satisfy one’s craving for anything. You allowed yourself to go on for quite a while, I had a need to eat more. I don’t know for how many months, he continues.
Back to work the day after she got home
Johanna was back at work the very next day.
– The first night I slept very deeply, then I went to work the day after I got home. It was just carrying on with ordinary life. But I didn’t train that much the week after right away. But strangely enough, I think I recovered quickly. I was alert after a few days, says Johanna.
What all three of them have in common is that they gained a lot of important insights and lessons after their participation.
– I take with me the gratitude for the simple things, the little things. That you can handle more than you think. Let go of control, don’t be so damn anxious. Dare things. It doesn’t have to be perfect, says Camilla.
See Secrets of the Elite Force
Swedish reality series where ordinary people under the guidance of four former elite soldiers must undergo some of the toughest trials there is.