After eight years, two world championship titles, and more hours in the gym than I can count, I'm stepping away from competitive calisthenics. This is the hardest decision I've ever made. But it's the right one, and I want to tell you the full story.
How It All Started
Eight years ago, I was 23 years old. I discovered calisthenics freestyle and decided to dive in. To be honest, I felt like I was getting into it pretty late for a sport so physically demanding. I had a lot of self-doubt back then. There were days when even a single pull-up felt impossible.
But I kept going. I pushed through those doubts. And pretty quickly, I felt that this sport was made for me.
One of the biggest reasons I stuck with calisthenics was my boyfriend Daniel. He was there from the very start. He pushed me and believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. It's one thing to try something new. It's another thing entirely to have someone by your side who sees your potential before you do.
We thought it would be fun to document the journey on social media. No grand plans. No big ambitions. We just wanted to share the ups and downs, track our progress, and maybe inspire a few people along the way.
What This Journey Gave Me
Looking back now, I can see how much I've changed. I've become so much stronger, not only physically but in how I see myself. I've learned that it's never too late to start something new. The biggest obstacles are the ones you put in your own way.
Through this journey, I've been lucky enough to inspire thousands of people. Not just in the calisthenics community, but in the wider fitness world too. I wanted to show that if you truly want something, you can accomplish it. No matter what.
And the messages I've received from you over the years, telling me I've inspired you or changed your life for the better, that gave me fuel. Your support and engagement have meant the world to me. Together, we've built something special. A community that is all about trying, failing, getting back up, and trying again.
I have always said that I'm here to inspire, to write history, and to leave a legacy. I believe I've done all of that.
Why I'm Retiring from Calisthenics Competition
The short answer is simple: it's time.
But I owe you more than that.
From the very first day I started calisthenics freestyle, I told myself that one day I would be the best in the world. And now, with the results in my hands, I haven't just become a world champion once. I've done it twice. I've competed against the best athletes on the planet and I've won.
I've reached all my goals. I've surpassed all my limitations and doubts. I feel like I have nothing more to prove on the competition stage.
There's a quote I have tattooed on my spine: "My biggest enemy is me, and even I can't stop me." That quote carried me through every competition, every training session, every moment of doubt. And now it carries me into this next chapter too.
The Other Reasons Behind My Decision
Beyond the competitive side, there's the business side. I want to put more focus into it. Before, my number one priority was always preparing for competitions. During trips, during work like photo shoots, video shoots, content creation, I always had my competition training in mind. It was almost like an excuse to save my power and energy. And honestly, that made my business suffer.
Then there's the personal side. As many of you already guessed: kids. In the near future, Daniel and I want to build a family. But for now, our full focus is on building a bright, safe, and stable future first.
What I'll Miss the Most
This is the part that's hard to talk about.
I always say I have the athlete syndrome. I don't know when to stop. I love the feeling of working hard in the gym every single day. All the hours spent facing fears, obstacles, and setbacks. And then at the competition, performing better than you could have ever imagined. Getting the results you worked so hard for. Standing on that podium as number one.
It's an unbeatable feeling. And I will miss it so much.
I haven't spoken much about this openly before, but I didn't have the best childhood. A lot of my bad confidence and self-doubt comes from that. Training and competing became a way for me to escape reality and prove to myself that I am good enough. Because that validation was something I was missing growing up.
Before I learned to really love myself, I was so hard on myself. If I didn't win a competition, it felt like the end of the world. I felt like I wasn't worth anything. But when I won, it was like a receipt that I was good enough.
I've cried a lot about this already. Daniel and I made this decision together. It's about our future. And I know it will take some time to fully accept it.
What I've Learned
The trophy is not the only proof that I'm good enough. It's also about the process. Trying, failing, trying again, never giving up, and enjoying every single step of the way.
I started this sport at 23. I'm now 31, which makes me the oldest female in the competitive calisthenics game. But I was still there at the top. Showing that anything is possible. Age is just a number, as long as you have determination and discipline.
This is my choice. I'm choosing this on my own terms. There's no injury that made me stop. I'm not scared to do the skills and tricks anymore. And that honestly made this decision a little easier.
What Comes Next for Me
First, I will still train like a maniac. I'm addicted to it. Calisthenics is not just something I competed in. It's my passion, my freedom, my therapy, my lifestyle. That will never change.
I'll still attend events and competitions to support my friends and teammates. And if I get the chance, I'll be very open to doing performances.
As for competing again? We'll see. Maybe after becoming a mom, if my body allows it. It probably won't be in the freestyle category, but I have some thoughts about training another discipline. Weighted calisthenics, for example. Street lifting. Weighted pull-ups and weighted dips.
Here's what's definitely happening:
- More YouTube content. I've had my channel for years but haven't been active because of competitions. That changes now. Training content, fitness videos, and more.
- Teaching and coaching. Programs, courses, and client coaching. This is something I'm deeply passionate about.
- Calixpert with Daniel. Our joint YouTube channel focused 100% on teaching, follow-along workouts, and tutorials.
- New types of content. Now that I'm not locked into competition prep, I have room for different things. Challenging myself in other sports, random challenges, and more creative content.
FAQ
Is Malin Malle Jansson retired from calisthenics?
No. I'm retiring from competitive calisthenics freestyle, not from the sport itself. Calisthenics is my lifestyle and I will continue training, teaching, and creating content around it.
How many times did Malin Malle win the calisthenics world championship?
I won the calisthenics world championship twice, making me a 2x world champion in women's calisthenics freestyle.
Will Malin Malle compete again?
Maybe. It's not off the table entirely. If my body allows it in the future, I might explore competing in a different discipline like weighted calisthenics or street lifting.
What age did Malin start calisthenics?
I started calisthenics freestyle at 23 years old. I'm now 31, which made me the oldest active female competitor in the sport at the top level.
Where can I follow Malin Malle's fitness journey?
Right here on malinmalle.com, on my YouTube channel, and on the Calixpert channel I run with Daniel. I'm also active across my other social media platforms.
Thank You
To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. Every message, every comment, every person who told me I inspired them. You gave me energy when I needed it most.
This is not goodbye. This is the start of something new. I'm still here. I'm still training. And I'm still going to push you to be the strongest version of yourself.
Let's see what this next chapter brings.
