Meet the Olympians Going For Gold At Business School, After Taking The Sports World By Storm

• Name: Aline Friess
• Sport: Gymnastics – competed at Tokyo 2020, and currently competing at Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Aline is also a European Vault Bronze Medallist
• Representing: France
• Studying: Global BBA Sportifs de Haut Niveau programme at emlyon business school

Could you describe your journey to becoming an Olympian?

I started gymnastics at six years old in my club in Alsace, and left for the French pole in Saint-Étienne at 12-years-old to be able to join the French team. I participated in major junior competitions such as the European Championships and the European Youth Olympics Festival (EYOF).

As a senior I participated in the European Games and in the World Championships qualifying for the Olympics. It was there that I performed the best in my career. I will say that it was a key moment for me to qualify for the Olympic Games. The biggest challenges have been injuries. I’ve had a lot of them. You have to take the time to take good care of yourself to get back to your best level without wasting too much time.

What is a typical day like for you as an Olympic athlete?

I get up at 8:30AM and I train from 10:00AM to 12:30PM. I eat, do my classes, then return to training from 3:30PM to 6:30PM. Then I end the day by doing some recovery, either at the physiotherapist or by doing cold baths and saunas.

What do you think would be your greatest sporting achievement?

Participating in the Olympic Games and, more individually, my European medal on vault in 2022

What made you decide to pursue a business degree during/after your athletic career?

I never sang to stop. I think it’s important to have both (education and sports) as it allows me to have a balance and take a little pressure off myself from the sporting side, since I’m not just doing that and I’m already preparing for my professional future.

How do you see yourself developing your future career by combining your sports and business background

I think I’m pretty much at the end of my (sports) career. I validate my courses as much as possible so that as soon as I stop working out, all I have to do is do my Masters, and be able to work quickly.

What skills or lessons from your athletic career do you find most applicable to your business studies and why?

Autonomy and rigour are the skills that sport taught me and that I use the most in my studies. 

What advice would you give to other athletes considering pursuing higher education or a career in business?

I will tell them that it is important to prepare for your career change and that courses dedicated to high-level athletes, such as those I’ve found at emlyon, are well suited to progress at your own pace depending on the different deadlines.

Interview by Peter Remon

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