In compiling a list of the Top Fittest European Heads of State 2016, the team at HFR, along with its founder Samir Becic, four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the world, want to alert other European heads of state to be more physically fit and active in order to represent their countries in the best light for the 21st century. “Being born and raised in Europe, I am very honored that my team and I have created the first list of the fittest European leaders. I hope that with this list I am setting an example for all other political leaders- that physical fitness and healthy lifestyle is not only making your life longer and better, but also improves the economy, military strength, and political stability in these crucial times.”-Samir Becic
Our previous lists of fittest world leaders have been featured in the most prominent national and international media.
The leaders on this list not only lead healthy lifestyles themselves, but also promote within their leadership roles to their constituents. The following was all taken into consideration: fitness level, nutritional habits, age, their own medical issues and how they coped with them, and especially involvement and promotion of healthy lifestyle within their country. This is the first list of its kind and we are trying to use it to promote a healthy lifestyle worldwide.
It is difficult to determine which European heads of state are the fittest because fitness has different elements that are equally important. We used a combination of interviews, websites, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 33 years in athletics coupled with his experience as a world-renowned fitness trainer.
King Felipe VI, 47 – Spain
- Holds the military rank of Captain General of the army, navy and the air force
- The highest military rank, therefore the supreme commander of the armed forces
- Engages in military exercises and maneuvers
- Generally an enthusiast of sports
- Was a member of the olympic sailing team at the 1992 Barcelona olympics
- Spain’s flag bearer in the parade of nations
- Has been awarded an Olympic diploma
- Was named to Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015
- Samir Becic: “Healthy and fit King Felipe is a great support for an economically struggling Spain. I am certain that with him leading the country, the situation will improve.”
King Philippe Maria, 55 – Belgium
- Was a fighter pilot and parachutist
- Named Lieutenant General of the Armed Forces
- Vice-Admiral of the Navy
- Those around him say that his two favorite hobbies are studying man in the modern world and exercising to keep his body fit
- Loves winter sports such as skiing
- Made our list of Fittest European Royals
- Samir Becic: “This newly appointed King is a strong leader that can hopefully mend the tensions between the two cultures in Belgium.”
Vladimir Putin, 63 – Russia
- Practices martial art of judo
- Putin began training in Sambo (a martial art that originated in the Soviet Union) at the age of 14, before switching to judo, which he continues to practice today.
- Is a master in martial arts, earning master of sports in Sambo
- 6th dan black belt in Kyokushin kaikan
- He has actively competed in sports since 1966
- Also horseback rides, alpine skis, plays badminton, cycles, plays hockey, and fishes.
- Promotes health within Russia, aiming to make it a priority for its citizens
- Made our 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State, and 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015
- Samir Becic: “Hate him or love him, this guy is one of the fittest politicians in the world. You name the sport and he does it. It clearly reflects the new Russian expansion.”
Grand Duke Henri, 60 – Luxembourg
- He is a career military man, undertaking his military officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England.
- Is a member of the International Olympic Committee, a member of The Mentor Foundation (established by the World Health Organization).
- He does regular fitness exercises and maintains a healthy lifestyle which aided him on his journey to recovery from certain genetic ailments.
- Made our 2014 List of Fittest Heads of State and 2015 Fittest Heads of State
- Samir Becic: “Duke Henri is a fit royal who is proving that with physical fitness and healthy lifestyle, health issues can be better managed.”
Prince Albert Grimaldi, 57 – Monaco
- Was a camper and later became a counselor for six summers at Camp Tecumseh on Lake Winnipesaukee,Moultonborough, New Hampshire
- An enthusiastic sportsman
- Participated in cross-country, javelin throwing, handball, judo, swimming, tennis, rowing, sailing, skiing, squash and fencing
- Has competed in five Winter Olympics in the sport of bobsledding for Monaco
- Took part in both 2-man and 4-man events
- Patron of Monaco’s football team
- Flag bearer for Monaco at the 1988, 1994, 1998 winter olympics
- Member of the International Olympic Committee
- Awarded the Eagle award by the United States Sports Academy
- Made our list of Fittest European Royals
- Samir Becic: “It is good that such a small country has a fit and charismatic Prince like Albert. The Grimaldis are known for all being physically active.”
Tayyip Erdoğan, 61 – President of Turkey
- Ex semi-professional soccer player
- Jogging
- Calisthenics
- Resistance training
- Made our list of Top 13 Fittest Heads of State 2015 Samir Becic: “Under Erdogan, Turkey has become and international player. His discipline in sports has molded him into a successful leader of his country. I’m looking forward to the Turkish people implementing a healthier lifestyle, like their President.”
François Hollande, 61 – France
- Ex-Player for FC Rouen, a French association football club
- Wants to spend more of the budget on making sport more accessible to the French people
- Hopes to see more French competitors at the Olympics
- Has found that there is not enough sports in schools and has added 60,000 jobs in the sports education sector
- Has said, “Sport is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and it is fundamental for the economics of our social security. We need to exercise at all ages and there needs to be more organized sports available”.
- He wants the expansion of sports in France to be part of his presidential term and legacy
- Has participated in soccer matches for charity
- He made our list of Fittest European Royals and his predecessor, Nicholas Sarkozy almost made our first list of Fittest Heads of State
- Samir Becic: “President Hollande rides a moped around Paris and maintains a positive attitude. The extra energy he has from his healthy lifestyle will be useful during this trying time for France.”
Zoran Milanovic, 49 – Croatia
- He trained in soccer, basketball and boxing
- His wife Sanja Music Milanovic is a strong supporter of healthy nutrition and fitness in Croatia.
- He jumped from the top of an armored vehicle and did not injure himself, standing up immediately after
- He was a strong contender for fittest heads of state, but because we could not find much information on him motivating his people to live a healthy lifestyle (one of our main criteria), he is in our honorable mention.
- Samir Becic: “I am very pleased to see the Prime Minister of a country where I spent many beautiful moments being such a good example for the Croatian people in terms of health and fitness. Considering that he jumped from a military tank and didn’t hurt himself shows his physical aptitude.”
King Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus XVI, 69 – Sweden
- Previously rose to the rank of captain (in the Royal Swedish Army and Air Force) and lieutenant (in the Royal Swedish Navy)
- Highly skilled skier
- Enjoys riding, water sports, and sailing
- Made our list of Fittest European Royals
- Samir Becic: “King Gustaf, like many Nordic people, especially royalty, is of course superb at winter sports. No wonder his is so agile and dynamic being almost 70!”
