In the finale of “Robinson’s” fall season, Johan Ekström had two rivals to beat. In the tough final obstacle course, he was behind both Samuel “Nutti” Stenman and Matteo Pasero in the final decisive moment, a puzzle in the shape of a snake.
But in the end, it was he who lit the "Robinson" torch and became half a million kronor richer - something he had difficulty accepting at the time.
So, I really didn't understand anything. I was in the final against the two strongest of the entire season. Then I thought: But Johan, take this in now, it's actually "once in a lifetime", he says.
Stopped believing
When Johan Ekström applied to the program, which he had been a fan of for many years, he naturally had a desire to win. But once he got there and was thrown into the game, he was taken aback:
"I was so taken by the whole situation and wondered how the hell I was going to cope with all the twists and turns and letters and competitions and everything. Then I kind of stopped believing in my own chance of winning," he says.
He tried to stay a little under the radar on the show, but he still felt his spirits drop and his confidence wane. The turnaround came after a trip to Gränslandet, from where he rejoined the competition.
"It was a fantastic week. After that I was able to recharge and drive again," he says.
The time immediately after the recordings, however, was difficult.
"I felt really bad when I got home. It was tough to come back to reality, and tough to go around pretending you didn't win. But I recovered pretty quickly, I was actually on the adventure of my life," he says.
Played perfectly
Is there anything you regret about your participation?
I've thought about it a lot. Maybe I should have taken more risks and dared a little more. But at the same time, I have the benefit of hindsight that shows that I did the right thing and played the game pretty perfectly!
Do you have any advice for those who are sitting at home and thinking about applying to "Robinson" but don't dare?
Oh my god, search! It's an amazing experience. It can be a little scary with the competitions and stuff, and especially because you get in touch with your emotions when you're there – but it's so worth it.
Name: Johan Ekstrom.
Age: 36 years old.
Occupation: Store manager.
Personal item in "Robinson": Disposable camera.
What to do with the winnings: Marry my partner Tobias.
