The graduate program offered by Edhec through e-learning allows high-level athletes to pursue what is called a “dual career,” which means practicing a sport full-time while continuing their studies to be well-prepared for professional life once their sporting career ends.
This is the recommendation of UNESCO, which, starting this year, has established September 20 as the International Day of University Sport with the slogan “champions today, leaders tomorrow.”
In Nice, a club is pioneering this policy, the Olympique Natation Nice, which has signed an agreement for its athletes with the business school headquartered in Lille and with a campus in Nice.
Moreover, Cloรฉ Hache, one of its flag bearers, will be one of four Edhec students participating in the Rio Olympics.
Always at the forefront, it is no coincidence that ONN is the most titled club in the Nice region!
Nice Premium spoke about this with Erick Lefert, the club’s sports coordinator.
Nice Premium: How many members of ONN have participated and are participating in the “e-learning” offered by EDHEC?
Erick Lefert: About ten members over several years, such as Alexandra PUTRA (Beijing Olympics), Clement LEFERT (Beijing and London Olympics), Alyzรฉe Morel (Chengyou Universiade), Ambroise Petit and Valentin Leonardi (national level), and Cloรฉ Hache who will be in Rio.
NP: Bruno Kauffmann (Edhec) explained to us that one of the benefits of the project is that during periods of constant pressure for an athlete (injury, performance pressure, etc.), good academic results can really relieve this pressure and free the mind. Do you agree with this, and do you have any examples to illustrate this point?
Erick Lefert: No particular example, but an athlete’s journey is made up of failures and underperformance before reaching the highest level or achieving a personal performance, and the dual project inevitably helps maintain balance.
NP: On average, at what age does a swimmer retire?
Erick Lefert: At 28 years old.
NP: Have any of your swimmers who have retired benefited from a career transition thanks to EDHEC’s project? If not, are there any future projects?
Erick Lefert: Yes, Clement LEFERT and Alexandra PUTRA are currently working in major finance companies in LONDON.
NP: Are you in contact with the school to monitor the results and involvement of your athletes enrolled in this project?
Erick Lefert: Yes, of course, I receive the report every year.
NP: What feedback have you received regarding the “e-learning” of your athletes attending EDHEC, especially regarding Cloรฉ Hache, who will participate in the Rio Olympics and is in her first year at this school?
Erick Lefert: Very positive feedback from Cloรฉ, who has completed 80% of the modules in her first year.
Thibault Bourru
