Commissioner for top-level sports at the University of Münster

Dear athletes, dear partners in elite sport,

As of 1st October, I have the privilege of taking on the role of Commissioner for Elite Sport at our University. I am very much looking forward to supporting the successful combination of elite sport and university studies and to working together with all those involved to create the best possible conditions for a successful dual career.

Combining elite sport and university studies means meeting high demands in two challenging areas of life at the same time. Succeeding in both requires more than individual motivation, discipline and organisational skills. It requires reliable structures – and, above all, a strong and well-functioning network.

A successful dual career is therefore always a shared responsibility. Athletes, the University, University Sports, Olympic Training Centres and career counsellors, sports clubs and federations, as well as coaches, need to communicate and work together to find appropriate solutions. From my perspective, bringing these different viewpoints together and providing support where it is needed throughout an athlete’s individual career pathway is essential.

The question of which conditions enable athletes to successfully combine elite sport and education is not only central to my new role, but has also been a major focus of my academic work for many years. Athletes’ dual careers – and particularly the importance of transitions, support structures and networks – constitute a key area of my research. Connecting research and practice is especially important to me: scientific evidence can help us further develop existing support structures, while the experiences of athletes and the partners involved can show us where new questions arise and where support can be improved.

I therefore see my role as Commissioner for Elite Sport also as a connecting role: listening, building and strengthening networks, bringing together different needs and perspectives, and working collaboratively to develop sustainable solutions.

My aim is to help create an environment in which our athletes do not have to choose between their sporting and academic ambitions, but are given the opportunity to pursue both as successfully as possible.

I look forward to working together, exchanging ideas and experiences, and continuing to strengthen and develop our network.

Dr. Barbara Halberschmidt  
Commissioner for Elite Sport at the University of Muenster