EUSA Insider:

Carlota Fernandez Osorio

Age:                    22

Place of Birth:    Santander, Spain

University:          University of Cantabria (ESP)

 Published: 8 March 2018

Briefly describe how and why did you get involved with Table Tennis?

I start to do karate at school when I was 5 years old. I’ve always been a restless and active girl, so my parents decided to sign me up for an activity, which was karate. Since then, I have been learning and when I was 12 years old I began to compete.

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

Currently, I’ve finished my Undergraduate studies in law at University of Cantabria, and now I study to get my Masters degree in sport law.

It’s very difficult to combine studies, trainings and competitions. During my Undergraduate studies I was complaining that I don’t sleep enough, because I had trainings before and after classes and I had to study in the evening. Also, on the weekends, I was traveling to compete. Those four years were crazy.

But now, I love my master studies because they are not so intense and I can stay more relaxed.

"I liked the atmosphere, competing with people who are in the same position as you, who combine studying and training"

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

Yes, it was my first time and I loved it. I liked the atmosphere, competing with people who are in the same position as you, who combine studying and training. It was a great experience, also I got a very good result. I can’t ask for more.

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

In 2018 there are two great University events that I hope to compete at: the European Universities Games in Coimbra, but also the World University Championship in Kobe, Japan.

I think that University sport events are important because people are not able to assess how difficult it is to study and compete at a high level. Participate in these championships, you know that you are not alone. And if you win any medal that is a great social recognition.

"...although it may be hard now, in the future you will be proud knowing that you achieved it." 

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

I would like to say that it is worth studying and training. It can be combined, and although it may be hard now, in the future you will be proud knowing that you achieved it.

EUSA would like to congratulate Carlota on becoming the European Universities Karate -55kg Champion in 2017, we wish her the best in her future studies, and we hope to see her at the European Universities Games 2018 in Coimbra!

Find out more about Coimbra 2018.