Selma Konijn (25) qualified for the Olympic Games in Paris last May. As a result, for the first time since 1992, there is a Dutch duo in the 500m canoe sprint. Already a special achievement! She also studies Educational Sciences at Erasmus University Rotterdam. She is currently in Poland to train: 'I regularly refresh Osiris to see if I have passed my exam. When I see 60 credits here, I can focus 100 percent on Paris.'
What do you expect from your participation in the Olympic Games?
'Phew, I always find this a difficult question. It actually feels like I'm going to any other competition. I mean, the most important part, my race, remains the same: cover 500 meters in my canoe as quickly as possible. I hear other athletes often say: "I cannot explain it, you have to experience it." I think I will love how many supporters there are and how much everyone sympathizes with you during the Olympic Games!'
You are now in Poland for training. Your last exam was at the beginning of July. Was it difficult to switch your mindset? How do you manage to focus on the Games?
'That took some focusing. Once I successfully complete this exam, I will have obtained my pre-master's degree. So it's a very important exam. I went straight to the airport after finishing the exam. It took some careful planning: do I have everything with me for my exam? And do I have everything with me for more than three weeks of training? My last exam was in th beginning of July, and I have been in Poland ever since. I refresh Osiris regularly to see if I have passed my exam. When I see 60 credits here, I can focus 100 percent on Paris.'
What is it like to combine top sports and studying?
'I like it! Of course, I don't always like it: sometimes I'm disappointed that I don't have more time and energy for my studies, but I do like having an ambition outside of sports. I really enjoy studying Orthopedagogy and it provides some distraction. My sport is my number one priority, with the result that it takes me a little longer to complete my studies than the regular student. I sometimes think: one person lives to be 90 and the other to be 100. So I'm that person that becomes 100 and by then I will have made up for the extra 3 years of studying. ;) Partly a joke of course.'
What do you recommend to young top athletes who want to study?
'Just do it, but keep an eye on whether you can keep it up. Prioritizing is important here. To do both perfectly... maybe it is possible, but that will be very difficult. Each season you know when you need to slow down and when you are going to be busy. Keep this in mind. Try to focus on your studies during a quiet period and create space for studies during a busy period so that you can properly focus on your sport.'
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Selma will compete at the Olympic Games in Paris on August 6th 2024, in the 500m canoe sprint.
Are you also considering studying alongside your top sport? Find all practical information here.
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