How can elite sports and studies be successfully balanced? Physiotherapy student at Alma Mater Europaea Jan Duhovnik proves that with a great deal of discipline, dedication, and perseverance, it is possible to achieve top results in both fields.
Jan, a member of the Krka Athletics Club, has impressed in recent weeks with two outstanding achievements. At the national combined events championships in Maribor, he scored 7,771 points and became the new Slovenian decathlon record holder. With an exceptional performance, he improved the 20-year-old national record of Damjan Sitar and wrote his name into the history of Slovenian athletics.
His excellent form also continued on the international stage. At the prestigious Inter Europol meeting in Warsaw, he won 1st place with 7,517 points, even though the athletes competed on both days in extremely demanding conditions. Temperatures between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius and a strong swirling wind presented a major challenge for all combined events athletes, yet Jan still achieved a personal best in the 110-meter hurdles and was the best among all competitors in the discus throw and javelin throw.
The decathlon is considered one of the most demanding athletics disciplines, as it requires top physical fitness, technical knowledge, mental stability, and the ability to adapt quickly. Jan demonstrates the same qualities in his physiotherapy studies, where he successfully combines academic responsibilities with daily training and competing at the highest level.
At Alma Mater Europaea, we are proud that our students prove that top-level studies and top-level sport are not incompatible. Jan Duhovnik is an excellent example of how dedication, perseverance, and good organization can lead to exceptional success—both in the lecture hall and on the athletics track.
Jan, sincere congratulations on your outstanding achievements, and we wish you great success in future competitions!
