Mikko Salo: CrossFit, Documentary & Training

This article was last updated by on

Mikko Salo is a former Finnish footballer with a successful career. As of now, he has been active as a CrossFit athlete. 

In fact, Salo is the 2009 Finnish CrossFit world champion winner. He also earned the title of fittest man of the earth that same year. 

After six years of football competition, the footballer shifted his focus to fitness games.

Mikko Salo
Mikko Salo is a former Football player turned CrossFit Coach

With a sculpted chest and muscular biceps, the fitness athlete has a macho body, standing at 5 feet 8 inches.

But what was the main reason that pushed him towards the CrossFit career? Learn more right now. 

Mikko Salo: Quick Facts 

Full Name Mikko Antero Salo
Also known as (nickname) Mikko Salo, Bolheim 
Date of birth August 30, 1979
Place of birth Pori, Finland, Europe
Current residence Pori, Western Finland
Age 44 years old
Height 5 feet 8 inches (173 cms)
Weight 187 lbs (85 kgs)
Eye color Hazel brown
Hair color Blonde
Skin color Fair
Body type Athletic
Gender Male
Sexuality Straight
Horoscope Virgo
Birthstone Blue Sapphire
Lucky color Green
Lucky number 3
Ethnicity Not Available
Father’s name Not  revealed
Mother’s name Not revealed
Siblings Not revealed
Marital Status Unknown
Spouse/Partner Unknown
Children Unknown
Education Unknown
Profession Football player, Firefighter, Professional CrossFit athlete
Debut CrossFit: August 2008
Years active
  • Football: 1990-2003
  • CrossFit: 2008-present
CFID 151906
Division Men
Personal Best
  • Squat- 190 kgs,
  • Front Squat- 170 kg,
  • Clean & Jerk- 140 kg,
  • Snatch- 100kg,
  • Deadlift- 250kg,
  • Press- 87.5 kg 
Affiliate CrossFit Pori
Titles Fittest Man on Earth (2009)
Highest Ranking 2nd (regional 2013), (100th) CrossFit Games 2013, 2nd (Individual men 2013)
Current Ranking 26469th (men 2017)
Hobbies Swimming, Running
Net Worth Not calculated
Social media Instagram, Facebook
Merch Project Online-opas, CrossFit Equipment
Last Update March, 2024

Mikko Salo: Early Life & Family 

Mikko Salo was born in Porin, Finland, on August 30, 1979. Bolheim has been active as an athlete since he was a child.

For those curious, Salo used to be a member of his school’s football teams.

The fitness athlete prefers to keep his personal life a closely guarded secret. As a result, he has avoided discussing his family on social media or in interviews.

Sadly, the information on his parents, siblings, or girlfriend is unavailable.

Education 

There appears to be no information about Mikko Salo’s educational achievements.

He did, however, go to a public school in Pori, Finland, for his elementary education.

Jason Collins Bio | Personal Life, NBA & Net Worth >>

Career

As an athlete 

The fitness athlete has experimented in a few different fields. From 1990 to 2003, he was a professional football player.

He has also played for the national team in a variety of age groups. In addition, during his football career, the player has appeared in 97 Veikkausliiga matches.

In Finland, the Veikkausliiga is the top level of men’s football. It has also been performed since the 1990s when it took the place of the Championship series.

Mikko has played for a number of different football clubs throughout his career, from Tampere United (2002-2003) to FC Lahti (2000-2001). 

In 1998, he represented FC Jazz, and in 1999, he represented Pirot. In addition, from 1990 to 1996, the player was a member of the Musa Junior Club.

Additionally, he has played for Finland’s national team. Mikko was a member of Finland’s Under 16 and Under 18 teams in 1995 and 1997.

Moreover, Salo was active as a left-winger of the Findland U20 team in 1998 and the Finland U21 team from 1999 to 2001.

Mikko later discovered CrossFit as a potential professional option in 2007.

Then, in 2009, he came to Aromas, where he claimed the title of Fittest Man on Earth by combining strength, endurance, and perseverance.

Other Ventures 

Contrary to his wishes, Miko could not continue his journey later in life due to a series of injuries. These injuries certainly slowed him down, but they didn’t diminish his enthusiasm for CrossFit.

Currently, the athlete works as a CrossFit trainer coach in his homeland.

Mikko’s Cooper Test score is 3 to 700 meters, with 79 playbacks (kippileukoja) pull-ups and 225-pound driving records.

Mikko Salo
Mikko Salo as a firefighter

In addition, the athlete is a volunteer fireman. He is still employed as a firefighter today.

Heidi Andersson Bio: Arm Wrestling, Family & Barn >>

The System by Mikko Salo 

Mikko Salo created the System, which is a training template. The System is founded on the concept that in order to participate in CrossFit, you must have skills, strength, power, and endurance.

The System’s purpose is for people to achieve their full athletic potential.

In The System, they build a rock-solid aerobic foundation on which people can rely. They also make sure to improve their client’s abilities and strength numbers.

Mikko Salo
Mikko Salo in The System

Jonne Koski, a fellow countryman and a rogue athlete is one of Mikko’s best students.

In 2014, Mikko coached Jonne to a 1st place result in the Men’s Individual Europe CrossFit Regionals. No wonder Mikko is recognized for his power, endurance, and SISU.

Since April 11, 2016, the System has been operating and aims to contribute to the fitness sector even more. 

SiSu: Documentary on Mikko Salo 

The athlete Mikko Salo is the subject of a documentary called SiSu. Sevan Matossian wrote and released the documentary.

Steven went to Mikoo’s hometown after the athlete won the 2009 CrossFit Games to discover more about him.

When the CrossFit Journal released a documentary titled “Sisu” on the new champion, it had a massive impact on the entire CrossFit community.

It also had a significant influence on how we thought about our affiliate’s soul or personality.

Mikko’s humble attitude dominates the documentary’s topic, according to people who have watched it.

Likewise, his enthusiasm shines through in his performance or when he sees the benefits of his labor, never in his remarks.

Mikko Salo: Net Worth 

There isn’t much information on Mikko Salo’s net worth as a football player and fitness athlete.

Bolheim’s net worth is believed to be $8 million.

However, the athlete’s CrossFit adventure and title must have brought him good fortune. He’s recently made a lot of money from his gym, ‘The System.’

For the original instruction, one can join “the System” for only $49 per month.

Mikko Salo: Social Media Presence 

The Finnish player is active on Instagram and Facebook, among other social media networks.

Instagram: 61.1k Followers

Facebook: 14k Followers 

There’s a link to his gyms, The System’s official website, in his Insta bio.

Rich Froning Jr: Bio, Career, Relationship & Net Worth >>

Mikko Salo: Interesting Facts 

  • In the Rogue Invitational-Legends, Mikko Salo was ranked seventh. Similarly, he finished second in the European regional matches.
  • Beefsteak, chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vegetables are among the very healthy foods consumed by the athlete.

Mikko Salo: Frequently Asked Questions 

Why did Mikko Salo leave the CrossFit field?

Due to various injuries, Mikko Salo stopped putting his front foot in CrossFit, whereas he has been involved in coaching the athletes and so far hasn’t ultimately left the field. 

What are the earnings of CrossFit athletes?

The first-place winner receives $100,000, while the second-place finishers, tentatively, receive $70,000 (a $10,000 increase from last year’s tournament). 

When did Mikko become the world’s fittest man?

Salo, a native of Pori, Finland, gained the title of “Fittest Man on Earth” by convincingly winning the 2009 CrossFit Games.

Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

Related articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Latest News