EUSA Insider:

Rafal Kozlowski

Age:                   23
Place of Birth:  Wroclaw, Poland
University:        University School in Physical Education in Wroclaw (POL)
Sport:                Judo                                                                                                 Published 21 May 2019

How and why did you get involved in Judo?
I was first signed up by my father in October 2001 and yes. I was almost seven years old, but in judo this is very common. My dad never trained judo before, and was just trying to seek interests to show me and my brother. And for me the best was judo.

What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competition?
At the EUG2018 I was representing Wroclaw University Of Economics where I finished with a Bachelor’s Degree in the economic analysis field. Now in 2019 I study sports management at the University School in Physical Education in Wroclaw. To balance studying with high level training and world class competition is nearly impossible, so from this point I would like to thank both of the universities – Wroclaw University of Economics and University School in Physical Education in Wroclaw – for making it possible.



Tell us about your experiences at the European Universities Games 2018. Was it your first time at a EUSA event, and what did you enjoy the most?
No, that was my second EUSA event. The year before I won European Universities Judo Championships in the same category, which were also in Coimbra. The thing I enjoy the most in these events is the friendly atmosphere after the competition; in fights everyone does their best, but later we can call ourselves one big family. In my opinion sport has irreplaceable value and every event that allows people to compete and get to know that value by themselves is worth glorifying and supporting as an initiative.

Why do you think taking part in university sport is important?
It allows students that do not became professional athletes to enjoy sport. It spreads sports values among people which are very important, values such as fair play, shaping attitudes and characters or promoting a healthy lifestyle.

In 2019 the European Universities Judo Championships will take place in Zagreb, Croatia. Do you hope to be there, and if so, how have your preparations been, and what do you hope to achieve?
In 2019 I won’t take part in the European Universities Judo Championships. In 2017 after I won gold for the first time at EUC Judo I stepped up my game and from August 2018 I participated in Olympic qualifiers for Tokyo 2020, so due to this reason I decided not to participate this year. I wish all the best to participants at the 2019 European Universities Judo Championships.

“It allows students that do not became professional athletes to enjoy sport.”

What is your favourite university sport moment?
My favourite university sport moment is when I won gold at the European Universities Judo Championships in Coimbra in 2017. The main reason is because of the sport value for me – I’ve never before achieved a medal in continental or world championships.



What is your message to European student-athletes like yourself?
I know that many things in life could be a barrier to participating in university sports events, but every effort is worth it. Take part, feel it by yourself and brighten the world by your excitement.

EUSA would like to congratulate Rafal for his success at the 2017 Championships and 2018 Games, and we wish him all the best in the future!