For Jonas the Olympics is all about the personal challenge. "It is the pinnacle of our sport and one of the highest challenges you can set for yourself. I like to push myself to the edge and see how far I can go. I want to win and there is no better place to do it."
"Setting short term goals and trying to have fun with it is the key. I do miss the days where the bar in Hyeres was full of sailors halfway during the event. You don't see that any more. It's a shame. The social aspect is important. But these days, you have got to be a hard person. The ability to absorb pain and stress and come out on top is important. Being organised and not settling for second best are also elements that will help.".
Jonas sees the development of the class in recent years as a big positive. "I love the Finn and think it has gotten a revival with the new physical aspects. It is for sure the hardest boat on the Olympic programme. Real athletes pushing super hard. Next time around there will be no old school sailors with a bit too much fat. They will be fit, tall and young. With that said it looks like my time is up. So unless something radical happens it will most likely be my last Finn event. What life brings is hard to know. I would love to do the AC and think I have something to bring to the table but it is a hard place to get in."
Having spent all his Olympic career in the Finn, he has strong views on the direction the sport should take. "I think you have to identify what is interesting and what drives young people. Continuity is also important. It is hard to build a talent pool if the sport is out next time around. It becomes too risky to invest time and money. Keep it physical, get better coverage, focus on the internet."
Will he ever sail a Finn again after the Olympics? "Well, never say never, but it is unlikely. Let the young guns take over."
Favourites? "Hard pick. It all depends on the weather. I think there are 10 guys who can do it and only one favourite. Ben, PJ, Zach."
And finally, what is he most looking forward to the most over the next few weeks? "Winning! Maybe too cocky, okay. Seeing the last 10 months hard work come together with me performing my personal best, that will be the biggest satisfaction. I am truly blessed to have gotten another chance to do well at the Olympics and I will do my best to make to most of it."
