Frode Haaland works as a system developer at Omega 365 Norway, where he has been since 1997. His workday is all about patience, structure and working step by step to find good solutions over time. It may be these same qualities that helped take him all the way to the top on the karate mat.

He showed that same focus at the European Karate Championships in Świnoujście this weekend. It turned into a result for the history books as he won gold in the Kata discipline. No Norwegian athlete has ever taken this title in this class before.

Kata is a bit different from what many people think of when they hear karate. There is no opponent in the ring. Instead, the athlete performs techniques through precise and pre planned movements. It requires a high level of control, balance and flow.

Frode competed in the 40 plus class and delivered strong performances throughout the championship that impressed the judges.

His journey has not been straightforward. He started karate as a teenager but took a long break at 18. It was not until after turning 40 that he picked it up again seriously.

Today, he is an active member of Etne Karateklubb, where he trains several times a week. He also competes regularly both in Norway and abroad. After several strong results in recent years, he felt ready to try a bigger championship. When the chance to compete in the European Championships in Poland came up, he did not hesitate.

“I find a lot of motivation in the good environment in the club. We have a nice mix of ages and levels, and many skilled athletes even though we are a small club,” says Frode.

Taking part in the championship was an experience he will not forget. Standing on top of the podium at a European Championship is something very few achieve, and for Frode it marks a clear highlight after years of focused work. At the same time, it has given him the drive to keep going. With new experience and a gold medal around his neck, he is already looking ahead to what comes next.