USC member Serena goes to student-World’s swimming!
Serena Stel is 24 years old and combines high level swimming with her master study Biomedical Technology and Physics in Amsterdam. That’s why once in a while, she finds herself with wet hair in the lecture rooms and with her study books on the pool’s starting block. The USC Elite Sports Fund makes this remarkable combination a little easier for her. Especially with the Olympic Games for students ahead! This summer, Serena participates in the World University Games in China – on the 800 and 1500 meters freestyle. Before asking her about that, we started out with three swimming dilemma’s:
1: Swimming in an indoor pool, or in the open water?
Then I’ll go for the open water. There, you don’t have your own lane and tactics start really come into play, which makes it even more fun!
2: Water in your ear, or water in your goggles?
Neither please, haha. But if I really have to choose, I would rather have water in my ear. Otherwise I won’t be able to see anything.
3: Diving from the starting block, or from the high diving board?
From the high diving board!😄 But only just for fun. For a race, the high diving might be a little too high…
Serena in the swimming pool 🏊♀️
What makes swimming for you such a fun sport for students to do?
“I think swimming is such a nice students sport because you can do it both alone and in a group. And, when you’re in the water you really feel free, which gives you the opportunity to clear your head after a busy study week.”
When I think about the swimming pool, I think about French fries. What is your favorite snack after a heavy training?
“Haha good question! My favorite snack after swimming practice is a cup of semi-skimmed chocolate milk to top up my carbs, and a bowl of low-fat cottage cheese to fuel up on protein.”
Technique is really important in swimming. Do you have a good tip for all the swimmers at USC?
“When breathing during the freestyle, try to turn your head as little as possible so that you only surface with your mouth to breathe. This way it is easier to stay straight in the water without your hips sinking into the water.”
Will you have some free time to sightsee a little bit? And what are you most excited for in China?
“Oeh, I would really love to, but I don’t think there’ll be enough time. But if it is possible, I would like to see the nature reserve in which the panda’s live – the region of Changdu is very famous for that!”
And lastly: what are your ambitions for the World University Games?
“My ambitions are: swimming personal records on all disciplines and reaching one of the finals! But I also want to enjoy the fact that I can participate in such a cool tournament.”