Student on a sporting high

Now it’s time to keep our fingers crossed: Right at the start of the new year, a student from the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will face international competition at the 28th Universiade in Almaty. We’re talking about Tom Krause, who is studying Engineering Management at the university. From January 29 to February 8, 2017, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, he will compete in the “Nordic combined” event, which consists of cross-country skiing and ski jumping. As a longtime student at the Klingenthal Sports Boarding School, he is well prepared for these World University Games.

Kevin Mühlan met with Tom Krause for an interview:

You’ll be competing in the Nordic combined event at the 28th Universiade in Almaty. How did that come about?

I’ve been at the Klingenthal sports boarding school since I was 12, and a longtime friend and training partner told me about it. I thought it would be a great opportunity and submitted an application. After that, I had to compete in the so-called “Germany Cup” to qualify. I managed to do that, so now I get to fly to Almaty (Kazakhstan).

How long have you been doing this sport?

I’ve been into winter sports since I was 3 years old. Since my mother and father were very active members of the Kottmar Ski Club, I got into winter sports early on and have stuck with it ever since.

How do you balance your studies with competitive sports?

Since I view this sport as a performance-oriented hobby, it’s good to balance everything. At the sports boarding school in Klingenthal, I had less free time because we trained a lot there.

How do you rate your chances at the Universiade in Almaty?

Of course, I’m realistic and know that it will be a tough challenge to finish among the top competitors. But as an athlete, I’m ambitious enough not to finish in last place.

What are your athletic plans for the future?

I’ve decided for myself that I don’t want to pursue a career in sports. You’re always under pressure to achieve, and eventually, your achievement naturally starts to decline. That’s why I want to lay the groundwork for my career by pursuing my studies at the University of Zittau/Görlitz.

How did you end up at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences?

I’m from this region and have lived in Klingenthal since I was 12. So I decided to pursue my degree in Engineering Management in my home region.

When you’re in Almaty, the other students in your class are taking exams at the university. Does that put you at a disadvantage?

No, of course not. Since Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences allows students to make a withdrawal from an examination and take it during the make-up exam period after the semester break, I don’t face any disadvantages at all.