The Olympian who became a Eurovision TikTok creator

Capitalkris, aka Kristijan Efremov, is a Eurovision content creator on social media and recently revealed he represented his nation at the Olympic Games in 2012.

At the London Olympics in 2012, Kristijan Efremov was one of only four athletes representing North Macedonia (then known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).

He was the only male from his nation in athletics in his pet event the 400m and was the first to compete at that distance in the Olympics.

Kristijan told us his Olympic dream started as a teenager watching TV.

"I was watching the Athens 2004 Olympic Games on TV and then I got a moment of revelation that I want to be part of the Olympics one day! I joined a local athletics club and started to run every day," he said.

"I was 14 years back then and just after eight years, my big dream came true, as I qualified to represent Macedonia at the Olympic Games in London 2012."

In London, he an a PB of 47.92 in his heat but unfortunately did not advance further at the Games.

However, the experience is something he cherishes.

"It was like living the dream! The feeling to compete in a full stadium of 80,000 spectators, absolutely amazing," he told us.

"The Olympic Village in London was absolutely stunning! The food was so tasty, so many great and fun things to do. I had the honor to carry the Macedonian flag in the Closing ceremony actually, and the music artists live were amazing in both the opening and closing ceremonies. Memories that I will cherish forever."

It was part of a long career in athletics for the 33-year-old that only finished up in 2020.

Eurovision

In recent years however, he has showed the world a different passion: Eurovision.

Kristijan discovered the Contest as a child.

"My first ever Eurovision on TV was 1998, when I was almost 8 years old. It was also the first time Macedonia was part of the contest," he said.

"Ever since I have been so passionate about Eurovision and have been a huge fan by knowing all the songs, lyrics, scores etc."

After starting his social media accounts as "capitalkris" on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, he originally focused on travel videos.

His first Eurovision content began in 2023 but it's been his dedication to Eurovision 2024 that has seen his numbers grow.

"I got curious how you can make rankings for Eurovision in a fun interactive way, and as a huge Eurovision fan I really wanted to give it a try. My TikTok got a lot of engagement instantly and things really hit off with my Europapa obsession." 

His shares that Europapa along with Satellite (2010) and Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley (1984) are his all-time favourite entries, while XXL's 100% Te Ljubam from 2000 is his pick from North Macedonia. .

He also supports Australia's inclusion in the Contest.

"Australia is already a natural part of Eurovision Song Contest and I would love to continue sending awesome songs. My favorite Aussie entry is for sure Sound Of Silence by Dami Im, her live performance in Stockholm was out of this world!"

Content and passion

With almost a million likes on TikTok, his most popular videos focus on Dutch 2024 entrant Joost Klein.

He is quite the fan, so much so that he won VIP tickets for the Grand Final in Stockholm at a Eurovision quiz game in the Eurovision village that year.

His passion comes through in his accounts where he is gathering a dedicated audience.

And it was a posts this week about his time as an Olympian that caught his followers by surprise.

Followers were shocked ("What omg that’s so cool!" and some even doubtful asking "what sport" and "who for?'

In an earlier post on his TikTok account Kristijan described what his sporting career and being an Olympian meant.

"As an Olympian who competed in 400 meters in London 2012, I have a deep love and passion for my sport," he said.

"There's nothing quite like the thrill of competing at the highest level and pushing yourself to be your best. Athletics has given me so much, from invaluable life skills to unforgettable experiences. From challenging myself, getting fit and make amazing memories, athletics will always be part of my existence!"

Comebacks

Kristijan is planning a return to the 35+ age group of athletics in coming years, but it's not the only comeback he'd like to see.

North Macedonia did not compete in 2023 or 2024 and has yet to confirm for 2025.

"We need more countries to return to Eurovision [including North Macedonia] as the Contest needs to be more exciting and diversified. 

Kris now live and works in Sweden and we look forward to seeing his passion for Eurovision continue into 2025.

You can follow capitalkris on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Read next:

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The Eurovision artists who have performed at the Olympic Games

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