Between
flights and training sessions, Rouguy Diallo's time is planned down to the last
second. In a few days, the champion will be footing the scarlet floor of the
Tokyo Olympic stadium in the triple jump. This is an event not to be missed for
the 26-year-old, who combined sport with the Global BBA programme she began at
SKEMA in 2013. "SKEMA gave me such a lot, starting with languages, as I am
now bilingual in English. This is important for my career.” As for the
educational side, she adds: "The teachers were constantly there for me,
and ready to listen. The staff were always on hand to monitor and help
me.”
Achieving goals
Courage,
rigour, self-denial and above all regularity are crucial qualities for the
top-level athletes who attend SKEMA. As well as reaching international heights,
these champions have to pass their diplomas at the end of a course like
everyone else. "These students are entitled to tutoring assistance, which
provides them with support whenever necessary," says Nathalie Sanchez,
Head of the Sports Department and referent for SKEMA's high-level sportspeople.
"Made-to-measure"
In practice, this personal support provides a real helping hand for athletes, with a wide range of options including adjustments to timetables, distance learning and online or private lessons. This is all vital, as it can sometimes be complicated to combine high-level studies and sports competitions. "We tailor the course to their needs, and it's quite a task to manage these students' studies. It's our job to pinpoint the moments when there's a need to optimise and readjust," says Nathalie Sanchez.
Aiming for the top
Rouguy Diallo submitted her dissertation in November 2020. This was a longer but carefully planned academic path, ensuring a fresh start after her sporting career is over. "With a diploma, the door is open to the world of work, if I have to prepare for a life after athletics," she says. Meanwhile, the young woman has great ambitions for Tokyo and hopes to "be among the top three – preferably first" – and to "have a ball!"