Adrin Virgil Zedong, one of France’s fastest students: “Sport taught me discipline and perseverance”

You are studying for the Mastère Spécialisé® Expert en Contrôle de Gestion, Audit et Gestion de Systèmes d’Information at SKEMA, from which you will graduate in 2026. What drew you to this programme?

I was looking for a comprehensive course combining financial rigour with an understanding of information systems. SKEMA’s programme perfectly matched my expectations. I found a demanding yet supportive environment, with practical classes that helped me connect theory with real-world application. I’ve completed the academic part of the programme and am now waiting to receive my degree in 2026, after which I’ll be ready to take up a permanent position in management control or auditing.

You also did your work-study placement at CBRE. What did you take away from that experience?

I spent two years working in management control. It was an incredibly valuable experience where I discovered the complexity of financial management within a large organisation and learned how to link figures to operational realities. That experience gave me a clearer understanding of performance and analysis challenges, which are essential in this field.

You’re also a top-level athlete. Can you tell us more about your sporting journey?

I’ve represented Cameroon since 2017 in the 100 m and 200 m events. I’m licensed with the Entente Agglomération Cergy-Pontoise Athlétisme (EACPA) club, with which I’m a French club vice-champion. I compete in numerous national and international events: the African Championships, World Games, the Oordegem International Meeting in Belgium, the Lisbon International Meeting, the Martinique International Meeting, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Test Event.

There’s a downside, though: I often find myself far from my family and friends, who sometimes remind me of it.

Your track record commands respect. What have been the standout moments?

I’m Central African vice-champion in the 200 m and French university vice-champion in the 60 m and 200 m in 2024. I also took part in the 4x100 m relay final at the World Games in Wuhan and brought my personal best down to 10.52 seconds in the 100 m this season. These results are the outcome of ten years of hard work, consistency and passion.

How do you manage to combine elite-level sport with your studies at SKEMA?

It’s not always easy, but it’s become a routine. I train about 12 hours a week, alongside classes and projects. Sport has taught me rigour, organisation and focus. Without that discipline, I wouldn’t be able to sustain such an intense pace. Sport guides everything I do, whether academic or professional. The downside is that I’m often away from my family and friends.

What does sport bring to your student and professional life?

Sport has taught me perseverance. In athletics, you often fail before you succeed. You have to face setbacks, start over and stay on course. It’s the same philosophy at work: remain steady, patient, and always give your best.

What’s next for you?

I’m continuing my training while looking for a position in management control, either in a company or an auditing firm. My goal is to keep progressing—on the track and in my career. Sport has taught me that nothing comes without effort. I’m currently preparing for the 2025–2026 season, which includes several meetings, the French Championships, and above all the African Championships, to be held in Ghana in July 2026.