Meet the Olympians Going For Gold At Business School, After Taking The Sports World By Storm

• Name: Adrian Hoesch
• Sport: Sailing – competed at Tokyo 2020
• Representing: Germany
• Studies: Hult International Business School – studying a Masters in International Business at Hult’s London and Boston campuses, and a Dual Degree in Finance at Hult’s Boston campus.

Can you describe your journey to becoming an Olympian? What have been the key moments and challenges along the way?

My journey began at the age of seven when I first started sailing in Germany. From the moment I set foot on a sailboat, I was hooked. My early days were filled with local competitions, where I quickly realised that I had a natural talent and an intense love for the sport.

Throughout my school years, I sailed for the German national team. Competing locally at first, I developed my skills and built a strong foundation. This experience was crucial in preparing me for more significant challenges ahead.

At the age of 14, I started competing internationally. Representing Germany on the world stage was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. This experience taught me the importance of mental resilience and the need to stay focused under pressure.

At 18, I transitioned to a larger boat that was raced in the Olympics, partnering with my long-term sailing partner. This was a significant step forward, and we enjoyed two successful years competing at a high level.

After two successful years, I suffered a neck/spine injury that forced me to stop sailing for two years. This was a major setback, requiring not only physical rehabilitation but also mental resilience to overcome the fear and frustration that came with such a serious injury.

During my recovery, I focused on finishing my undergraduate degree in Business in Germany. Afterward, I applied to Hult Business School in London. My time in London was pivotal as I slowly started sailing again and worked on regaining my physical fitness.

During a Hult campus rotation in New York, where I lived with a long-term friend, I made the decision to give the Olympics one last shot. After graduation, I found a job that would allow me to train and travel. In 2019, my sailing partner and I participated in the Olympic qualification and were selected for Tokyo 2020.

The next challenge came with the COVID-19 pandemic. We didn’t know if the Olympic Games would happen. I was based in Germany, and my sailing partner was based in New York. With travel restrictions, training became difficult, and I had to start focusing on a professional career again due to the uncertainty of the Olympics even happening.

I began working for a venture fund. Luckily, after the Olympic Games were confirmed, I reached an agreement that allowed me to start training again.

What would you describe as your greatest achievement in sport?

• 3rd place junior European Championship
• Olympic Games 2020
• Participating in 10+ European and World Championships

What made you decide to pursue a business degree during your career as an athlete?

As much as I love sailing, I recognise the importance of having a solid educational foundation for my long-term career. A career in sports can be unpredictable, and having a business degree provides a safety net and opens up numerous opportunities outside of athletics.

Continuing my education was also a way to ensure continuous personal growth. It allowed me to challenge myself intellectually, gain new perspectives, and stay engaged in a different way than my athletic training. This balance has been crucial for my overall well-being and development. 

How do you see your future career developing with the combination of your athletic achievements and your business education?

A professional sports and sailing career has provided me with invaluable skills and experiences that translate seamlessly into the business world.

The discipline, perseverance, and strategic thinking required to excel in competitive sailing are directly applicable to business challenges. Managing high-pressure situations, making quick decisions, and working effectively as part of a team are daily realities in both arenas.

“A professional sports and sailing career has provided me with invaluable skills and experiences that translate seamlessly into the business world.

The discipline, perseverance, and strategic thinking required to excel in competitive sailing are directly applicable to business challenges”

My experiences on the water have honed my leadership and problem-solving abilities, which are critical in navigating the complexities of the business landscape. Running a start-up is not too different from organising and running an Olympic campaign.

What skills or lessons from your sports career do you find most applicable to your business studies and why?

With the combination of my athletic achievements and business education, I envision a future where I can leverage both to create a dynamic and fulfilling career. My background in professional sports will be an asset in roles that require resilience, strategic planning, and team leadership. I see myself potentially working in sports management or entrepreneurship, where I can apply my firsthand knowledge of the sports industry to drive innovation and growth.

Additionally, my network from both sailing and business school provides a unique platform for building partnerships and exploring new ventures. Ultimately, I aim to integrate my passion for sailing with my business acumen, possibly through ventures that promote sports and wellness, or by contributing to organisations that support athletes’ transitions to post-sports careers. This dual expertise positions me to make a meaningful impact in whichever path I choose.

What advice would you give to other athletes considering pursuing higher education or a career in business?

My advice to other athletes considering pursuing higher education or a career in business is to have a well-thought-out plan and find an area of interest that excites you. Always try to anticipate what comes after your athletic career, the worst thing is what I experienced with other athletes is the post-Olympic depression. 

Interested in this series? You might also like this…