EUSA Insider:

Jelizaveta Simačeva

Age:                   21

Place of Birth:  Latvia

University:        Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LTV)

Published: 30 May 2018

Briefly describe how and why you got involved in Rowing?

In school a teacher told me that when she was young she rowed. I got interested and it turned out I had a rowing sports school near my secondary school. I tried rowing and really liked it. 

"Don’t belive anyone who says you can’t do something."

What do you study? How do you balance your study, training and competitions?

I study sports science. In a year I will graduate with a bachelors degree as a rowing coach. I plan my month of studying ahead. If I have tests during competitions I ask my professors if it is possible to write tests earlier. I just try to do everything in time. If I have trainings and at the same time I have to be at school I discuss it with my coach and we come up with the best solution. 

Tell us about your experience at the 2017 European Championship of Universities. Is this your first time at an EUSA event?

Yes, it was my first time competing at the EUSA event. I really enjoyed my stay in Subotica. The weather was warm, the rowing venue was big. The atmosphere at the venue during competition was positive. I really liked to compete there despite the windy weather.

 "...Sport gives you emotions and it is a nice break from studying at the university.."

In 2018 the European Universities Games will take place in Coimbra, Portugal, do you hope to be there? Why do you think university sport events are important?

I would love to compete there, but I will not. I hope every competitor there will have a great time. University sport is really important. It gives opportunity to meet new people and make international friendships. Sport gives you emotions and it is a nice break from studying at the university. Competitions give you goals and you work to achieve them.

This is your chance! What is your message to European students like you?

Study hard and train hard. Make friends and enjoy the time you spend doing it.

Take risks and try new things. You are young.

Don’t believe anyone who says you can’t do something.

EUSA would like to congratulate Dominika and her teammate on the bronze medal and we hope to see her again at EUSA competitions in the future! 

Find out more about Coimbra 2018.