Interview: Camilla Lykke.
At Pensopay, we’re thrilled to introduce our latest partnership. We’re proud to support entrepreneur and now winner of the 2024 Copenhagen IRONMAN, Camilla Lykke. She’s not only a dedicated triathlete but also an inspiring figure in both the sporting and entrepreneurial worlds. Curious what it really takes to become an extreme athlete? Then read on.
Update – August 2024: Camilla Lykke won the Copenhagen IRONMAN 2024 as the fastest female competitor, completing the course in 9 hours, 6 minutes, and 54 seconds.
Although Camilla doesn’t necessarily identify as a typical entrepreneur, she runs two businesses from her home in Ebeltoft. At 33 years old, Camilla has shaped her lifestyle around her true passion: the demanding sport of triathlon—more specifically, the Ironman, widely known as one of the toughest endurance challenges.
”No two days are alike for me. I’m currently training 3–4 hours a day. I’ve created a work life that gives me both freedom and flexibility,” Camilla Lykke.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Camilla to our office in Vejle, where she shared deep insights into what it means to live as both a triathlete and a business owner.
Camilla is warm, yet thoughtful—and it’s clear she takes both her training and her choices seriously. While few people could keep up with her daily routine, Camilla speaks about her training with a natural ease. It’s a dedication that seems deeply woven into who she is.
From a Slow Start to Ironman: How One Bike Changed Everything
Camilla’s love for extreme sports came later in life. Like many Danish girls, she started out playing handball and football. But she quickly felt the need for more variety—and more personal challenges.
”I had just bought a mountain bike and wanted to put it to use. So in 2014, I signed up for my first mini-triathlon—400 meters of swimming, 18 km of cycling, and 4 km of running. I remember being passed by all these fast racing bikes, and I just thought: ‘Okay, I need one of those’,” Camilla Lykke.
After buying the right gear, Camilla was hooked—and went on to complete four Ironman races, earning two first-place finishes and a second place along the way.
”What really drew me in was the variety that comes with Ironman. It gave me a mental edge.
I deal with social anxiety—it’s not something you can train away—but when I train, I get the clarity and energy to manage it.
And apparently… I really enjoy pushing myself.” says Camilla Lykke with a smile.
What Does It Take to Become the Best?
”Honestly, it ‘just’ takes a lot of training if you want to get good. I’m constantly driven to become a better version of myself—not just physically, but mentally too. That personal development is just as important,” Camilla Lykke.
Camilla radiates a quiet strength—and a competitive drive that might even surprise her. But that’s likely a key reason she can thrive in such an extreme sport.
When we asked what keeps her going through multiple Ironman races, winning was of course a motivator—but far from the only one.
Fuel from Within: Camilla’s Personal Drive
”There are so many strong athletes in Denmark doing amazing things. But honestly, I think I find most of my inspiration in myself and in the feeling it gives me,” Camilla Lykke.
Standing on top of the podium is, naturally, a source of pride. But for Camilla, triathlon marked a pivotal moment in her life. There’s a clear ‘before and after’ in her story.
”After my first race, I never looked back. I’ve been training and racing ever since—and now I fully see myself as a triathlete,” Camilla Lykke.
Ironman or Lifestyle? Who Chooses the Ultimate Challenge?
”I think there are two types of people: some want the title on their CV. Others live and breathe it—being a triathlete becomes part of who you are,” Camilla Lykke.
Camilla is fully aware that her life looks different from most 33-year-old women. But that’s what happens when passion becomes a lifestyle. And while her dedication is exceptional, she assures us that you don’t need to do what she does to complete an Ironman. “You don’t need to train as much as I do to participate. When I first started, I was training 8–10 hours a week—and that was enough to finish. These days, I train about 15–20 hours a week,” Camilla Lykke.
What really matters is having the desire—and the mental strength. On race day, Camilla believes performance is 80% mental and 20% physical.
“Your whole body is screaming at you to stop.
To be good at extreme sports, you’ve got to be even better at having those inner conversations—and talking yourself down.
That’s what separates the best from the rest,” Camilla Lykke.
Entrepreneur by Necessity: How Flexibility Fuels Success
We spent most of our time talking about triathlons, but Camilla also opened up about her career as an entrepreneur. While it may seem effortless from the outside, it’s far from easy.
Camilla admits it might sound like a cliché—entrepreneurs often say they do it for the freedom—but for her, it was a necessity.
”If I had to work a 9–5 job, my brain would shut down because of my social anxiety. Being around people can be overwhelming for me—like even just being here today. I probably won’t be able to do much tomorrow.Starting my own business was the best thing I ever did. I just don’t have the energy for a traditional job, and now my workday is actually aligned with how I function,” Camilla Lykke.
Family First: Camilla’s Secret Support System
When Camilla visited us, we also had the pleasure of meeting her mother, Gitte. Camilla made it clear—none of this would be possible without the incredible support she gets from her family.
”My family has always supported my triathlon journey. They’re understanding, helpful, and always show up—whether the race is in Copenhagen, Hawaii, Lanzarote, or Portugal. It means everything to me, but just as much that we get to share these experiences together,” Camilla Lykke.
“And of course, pensopay is supporting me through sponsorship. Triathlon is an expensive sport. You can do it without support—but if you want to be number one, you have to go all in. And that means not compromising on anything.,” Camilla Lykke.
Positivity Attracts Positivity: The Perfect Match Between Camilla Lykke and pensopay
”I really think pensopay and I are a great match. I was already following you on Instagram before we even talked—and I just got this good vibe from your energy. I remember thinking, ‘They’ve got something special.’ I live by the idea that positivity attracts positivity. The more you invite it in, the more it shows up,” Camilla Lykke.
Camilla is often approached for collaborations—and she’s grateful for every opportunity. But she’s also selective.
”As a triathlete, I want to be the best. And I think a lot of entrepreneurs who use your service feel the same way. They want to grow, improve, and give their customers the best. That understanding—that you shouldn’t compromise on your tools if you have big dreams—that’s something I relate to. And that’s why I go for what’s best in the market,” Camilla Lykke.
Eyes on 2024: Camilla Lykke’s Journey Toward New Goals
Camilla’s biggest goal for 2024 was completing the Copenhagen Ironman on August 18. She trained with full focus on becoming the best version of herself—and performing her fastest race yet.
We have every reason to believe she’ll continue to be among the fastest in the field. But most importantly, Camilla has made the choice to enjoy every training session, just like she did in 2023. That year, her main goal was to stay present in the moment—which led to some truly incredible results.
Thank you for the inspiring conversation, Camilla. We’re proud to sponsor you on your triathlon journey.
We’ll be following along every step of the way—and cheering you on all the way to the finish line.
Best wishes
Team pensopay
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