When former Icelandic gymnastics standout Tinna Odinsdottir stepped into the spotlight as a finalist in last month’s Söngvakeppnin  – her country’s televised competition from which the winner would advance to Eurovision finals – she did so with the verve and charisma of a veteran performer.

The 30-year-old Odinsdottir, a mother of two, is enjoying the thrills and creative processes that her admirable fourth-place finish on Söngvakeppnin brightly reflected.

As a top Icelandic gymnast before her 2018 retirement, Odinsdottir gained the composure and ability to perform well under pressure that benefits her as a singer. She competed at six European championships and one world championships from 2008-2017. Among Odinsdottir’s top honors, she was the 2010 Nordic champion on balance beam, the 2012 Northern European silver medalist on balance beam, a gold medalist at the 2015 Small States of Europe Games, and a gold and silver medalist at the 2015 Nordic Championships. Odinsdottir finished seventh on floor exercise at the 2016 World Cup of Cottbus and eighth on uneven bars at the 2016 World Challenge Cup of Ljubljana.

In this International Gymnast Online interview, Odinsdottir shares her experience on Söngvakeppnin, her passion for performance and her goals in her new spotlight.

IGO: How and when did you start your singing career?

TO: I have always been singing since I can remember. But when I was a kid I focused  a lot on gymnastics and I spent all my time in the gym, and I loved it. When I was nine I saw my idol performing on the big stage in Eurovision, and I said to my parents, “I’m gonna be there one day.”  When I stopped doing gymnastics at 24, I started singing more seriously. I decided to send in a song for the contest and I just got in, and that is when everything got real.

IGO: What motivated you to enter the contest for Eurovision specifically?

TO: Eurovision has always been a part of the culture here in Iceland. It is a great family show where we all get together and watch it together with some good food and candy. It has always been my dream to be there myself, performing.

IGO: How and why did you choose the song you performed?

TO: Rob Price and I wrote the song for the contest. Its called “Words,” but the rules of the contest are that you have to perform the song in Icelandic in the qualification. So in Icelandic it’s called “Þrá,” and Guðný Ósk wrote the Icelandic lyrics.

IGO: You’ve long been used to performing on a podium, but how is performing as a singer more challenging?

Odinsdottir during her seventh-place performance at the 2016 World Cup of Cottbus

TO: To be completely honest it’s more nerve-wracking to compete in gymnastics than singing in front of thousands of people. I don’t know what it is but, that’s just how I feel. I feel like there is more room for error in singing and performing than there is in gymnastics. What made me nervous in gymnastics back in the day was  that I always felt like if I made a tiny mistake, everything was ruined. So I feel more confident doing this. Maybe it’s the age and that I’m just more grown up now.

IGO: How does your experience performing under pressure benefit you in this new type of competition for you?

TO: I think my experience as a gymnast has helped me a lot in the journey. I’m just so used to putting all the effort into what I do. I’m so grateful for everything gymnastics gave me. I’m good at taking guidance and being under pressure, and I actually  just like the feeling.

IGO: What is your daily preparation for vocals and performing?

TO: I focus a lot on good sleep, exercise and eating healthy.

IGO: How far did you think you could go in the competition?

TO: I always knew that I would do a good job in the competition. I just felt so ready and well prepared. Of course I got nervous but I could just feel that we would make it to the final.

IGO: What are your goals from this point?

TO: I’m hoping that I can work as a full-time singer and actor in the future. I am currently in an acting school in Copenhagen called Panorama Academy and I’m graduating in June. I am working on some more music now and also focusing on school.

I am forever grateful for all the support I have gotten from my family and friends. Leading up to the contest I was more or less rehearsing in Reykjavik and I live up north, four hours away. My boyfriend took care of our two boys the whole time, and I’m so grateful for that. It was good to be home again with my kids after the contest and just spend  some quality time with my family. 

International Gymnast Online’s other features on Icelandic gymnastics include: