Blake Skjellerup: December MASCed Man of the Month
What is the MASCed MAN campaign all about?
We want to shine the spotlight on some familiar faces and highlight the success they've had in their careers, in addition to sharing their thoughts on how skin care and grooming fits into their daily regimens. As they say, "Confidence breeds success" and at MASC, we strive to provide you the tools and information necessary to maintain a healthy and well-groomed appearance in a simple, no-fuss manner. By doing so, it'll give you that little extra boost to help you to better tackle the day-to-day challenges in your busy lives and achieve the goals you've set for yourself.
Meet Blake Skjellerup
We're excited to introduced you to our second ever "MASCED MAN of the MONTH," Blake Skjellerup from New Zealand. The 28-year-old is an Olympic Short Track Speed Skater who competed in the 2010 Olympic Games for New Zealand and is currently training to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Socci, Russia.
Blake is currently doing the majority of his training in Calgary, Alberta. Learn more about this talented Olympic hopeful below!
How long have you been Speed Skating and what was your experience like competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics?
I’ve been speed skating for 18 years now. Competing in Vancouver was amazing, it was the achievement of something I’d worked long and tirelessly for.
Where are you doing most of your training right now?
Currently doing more of my training in Calgary, Alberta.
How much time do you spend in New Zealand these days?
Definitely not enough unfortunately! I get home as much as I can, for a month or so during the off season.
What do you like to do for fun when you're not training?
Today, we are visiting the marshmallow museum & factory in Kolomna where I’m training and competing. I try to do as much as I can, but I like my down-time after training to just relax and zone-out.
What is your morning and evening skincare / grooming routine?
My routine is more evening-based because I have limited time in the morning, but in the morning I wash my face with water and apply a daily moisturiser/SPF. In the evening I shower, use a daily light exfoliant, then I cleanse and moisturize Then I lastly apply an eye creme.
When did you start getting into skincare and why?
I had a friend who got me into skincare properly at the age of 21. We’ve only got 1 face, so we must look after it!
What is one of your favorite MASC products?
This would have to be Evo Gansta Grip. It holds my hair exactly how I want it and it’s very smooth. I always take a couple of bottles with me on tour so I never run out.
What types of products do you take with you on the road?
I’m on the road for most of the time, so I take everything with me!
Do you have a particular diet/eating plan you follow to compliment your training? Does it change in the off season?
As an athlete we have to eat properly and in moderation through our training and competing, trying to limit processed foods and increasing our intake of proteins (chicken and fish are staples of my day). In the off-season, chocolate, chips and wine creep their way back into my daily routine!
Do you have any pre or post competition rituals?
I’ll let you into a secret… I have a McDonalds at the end of each season - which is only once a year!
As an openly gay athlete who plans to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, are you worried about the laws regarding homosexuality in Russia?
I’m not worried at all, I’m just going to go and compete in Russia as me - Blake the athlete. I’m hoping these laws will change in time, and I believe that going to the games will raise more of an awareness instead of just running and hiding from the issue.
Do you do any sort of visualization, affirmations or even have any vision boards that you think has been helpful for you on your journey to the Olympics?
It’s a constant game of vision and affirmation inside my head. I believe in me, and if I didn’t then my competitors have already won.
You can follow Blake on Twitter @BlakeSkjellerup, Facebook and Instagram. You can also support the campaign to send him to the 2014 Olympics here. Thanks so much, Blake! Best of luck to you at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Socci!
