Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen’s skiing career began in 2005. Two years later, she also chose to start medical studies. Right up until 2020, she juggled these two demanding tasks. And succeeded in style. During 15 years, she achieved, among other things, ten World Cup medals, one Olympic medal, 43 podium places in the World Cup and a completed medical education. – We have researched Astrid because this is one of the most difficult things you can do: To be a cross-country skier on a national team at the same time as you complete a study in medicine. That’s what associate professor at NTNU, Stig Arve Sæther, tells news. The aim of the study was, among other things, to find out what it takes to manage such a dual career, and what consequences or advantages it may have. Is this something more top athletes in Norway should focus on? Astrid herself believes that one thing in particular is important for success. An interesting discovery in the Olympic season The researchers have used the athlete’s detailed training diaries as a basis. They have compared results and progression. In addition, they have conducted several interviews with Uhrenholdt Jacobsen during the work. – What we have found is that the results in the ski track were not particularly affected by the studies. Rather, perhaps the opposite – that this was positive, Max Bergström tells news. He is a research assistant at NTNU in Trondheim. There was also a discovery that surprised the researchers. – During the Olympic season, Astrid was advised to take a break from her studies, but this did not affect the results. She does not do better in these seasons compared to the seasons where she studies, says Sæther. In other words, it may seem that the studies have not affected the athlete negatively, which perhaps most people would have thought. – Demanding Today, Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen is in a doctor’s practice in Fåvang. She chose to put her skis on the shelf two years ago. Now it is the medical profession that applies. But how has she herself experienced this dual career, which has taken 15 years of her life. – For my part, this combination has been great for motivation. In practical terms, it has been demanding. I feel I have spent an unnecessary amount of time arguing about things, she says. She believes that motivation is very important if you are to carry out such a dual career. – I chose to study something that I found very motivating, and I think that if you don’t have the motivation, then something like this will be as destructive as it was stimulating for me. In 2018 in Pyeongchang, Uhrenholdt Jacobsen takes Olympic gold in the relay. The winning team also includes Marit Bjørgen, Ragnhild Haga and Ingvild Flugstad Østberg. Photo: Eric Gaillard / Reuters Have chosen it myself It is a big challenge to have to do two very different things as well as possible. This is something Astrid herself confirms. It is two worlds that meet, where both arenas will have full focus. Associate professor Sæther says that previous research in this area has focused on athletes at a lower level. Or rather people who have to have a job on the side in order to make ends meet. – Astrid has chosen this herself, and it has given her something. It may also have been a positive contribution to the achievements, says Sæther. Previous studies suggest that dual careers among athletes have several advantages. It prepares them for the future, provides them with transferable skills, as well as intellectual stimulation as a supplement to their physical training, researchers write. Sæther also believes that this can be positive for more people in Norway, but there are several things that need to be put in place. Max Bergström and Stig Arve Sæther have researched Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news Must be arranged – I think it can be a good strategy if you have a good association behind you. And in addition a strong motivation. It’s about training planning in practice, about having structure. You may have a little more focus on sports than education, but that does not mean that you cannot finish within a time frame. Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen agrees. – I think each individual must find out what is a good life package for them, and then society must make arrangements for these. She herself is very happy to have an education after finishing her skiing career. – I feel I have been lucky with the timing. I gave up when the pandemic came, and then there was a need for health personnel. The transition has been nice, and I can use my energy to help others. The former cross-country skier believes it is a luxury to start with something where you can do the least. – Every day I learn something new and develop. In the ski track, there was eventually only talk of marginal improvements. Now we’re talking quantum leaps, she says. Uhrenholdt Jacobsen says she felt a responsibility to say yes when she was asked to be a case in this study. – I hope someone after me can learn something from this. Photo: Ryan Kelly / NTB
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Has combined top sport with medical studies – news Trøndelag
