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

• Name: Julimar C. Avila OLY
• Sport: Swimming – competed at Tokyo 2020 and currently competing at Paris 2024 Olympic games
• Representing: Honduras
• Studies: MSc Global Health Management, at Imperial College Business School

Can you describe your journey to becoming an Olympian?

One could say my journey to the Olympics began when I was just seven months old. My mom wanted to learn how to swim and she would take me to the pool during her lessons, it was there that I developed a love for the water. Every summer, my family and I traveled to Honduras to visit relatives. My dad – a soccer coach at the time but coach nonetheless – didn’t want me to miss out on practice, so I joined my local team and started competing in Honduras at the age of seven. 

A key moment in my career was in 2011 when I participated in my first international competition. Winning my first gold medal for Honduras, wearing the uniform on the podium and hearing our national anthem was when I began to dream about one day hearing that anthem at the Olympics. From that point on, I worked hard to compete in as many international meets as possible, from CAMEX to CCCAN to World Championships. 

My high school swimming career at Weston High School was another significant milestone. Winning the first state title in the history of our swimming program was an incredible experience. The unity and shared goal of my teammates strengthened my competitive spirit. In addition, receiving a sports scholarship to swim at Boston University was another key moment in my journey. Not only did I make lifelong friends, but I also found immense joy in swimming for my college team.

One of the highlights of my career was qualifying for my first Olympics during the pandemic in 2021. I made history as the first Honduran and universality swimmer to qualify for and compete in a semi-final. Qualifying for the semi-final in the 200m butterfly is a memory that will live with me forever.

Of course, my journey wasn’t without its challenges. I often put too much pressure on myself, and there were times when I felt frustrated that my times weren’t improving as quickly as I wanted. However, as time I went on I let these challenges fuel my determination to succeed. These key moments and challenges have shaped me into the athlete I am today. 

What does a typical day look like for you as an Olympic athlete?

A typical day for me at the moment is waking up at 5:25AM to cycle to the gym, gym from 6-7:30AM, then cycle to the pool for the first swim session at 8AM to 9:30/10AM. Then I cycle home to have breakfast, stretch, and any life admin I might have to do.

Around 1:30PM I had my pre- training snack/lunch and head back to the pool for the second session. Then cycle back home, call my parents and/or friends and then sleep because the routine starts again tomorrow. It’s not double swim session everyday so that’s nice! On the days I didn’t have swimming in the afternoon I’m either reading, watching TV or walking around the city and trying new cafes.

While studying at Imperial it was a pretty fast-paced life – swimming early morning, 5-7:30AM, breakfast on the way to uni, lectures, lunch, lecture (if there were two that day), then group work or assignments, then to the afternoon swim session. If I had gym sessions, I feel very blessed to have been part of the Imperial Scholar Athletes program and I could schedule them according to my schedule at the Imperial gym which helped me tremendously with convenience. 

At the moment I’m at a PanAms Sports camp, before moving to the village for the games, so it’s a little more eat, sleep, swim as we get prepared for our races.

What would you describe as your greatest achievement in sport?

One that comes to mind as my greatest achievement in sport is qualifying for the semi-final at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. This accomplishment is especially significant because I was the first Honduran and universality swimmer to achieve this milestone.

Competing in the 200m butterfly semi-final was a dream come true and a moment that will stay with me forever. It represents so many years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It was an incredible honour to represent my country and leave my mark in Honduras swimming history.

“I made history as the first Honduran and universality swimmer to qualify for and compete in a semi-final. Qualifying for the semi-final in the 200m butterfly is a memory that will live with me forever.”

Another achievement that I’m very proud of is being inducted into the Boston University Scarlet Key. This honour recognises not only my accomplishments in sport but also my academic achievements and overall impact at the university. It was a proud moment for me, as it truly validated the balance I have strived to maintain between my athletic and academic pursuits. My parents, both teachers, have always emphasised the importance of education alongside sports. Their guidance and support has been so instrumental in my journey, and being recognised in this way made me feel that I had made them proud.

I truly feel as though both of these achievements reflect different aspects of my journey—one highlighting my competitive success on an international stage and the other acknowledging my holistic development as a student-athlete. Together, they show the values of hard work, balance, and the pursuit of excellence that have guided me throughout my career.

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

Honestly, deciding to pursue a business degree during and after my career as an athlete was driven by both practical considerations and a desire to secure a fulfilling future beyond the pool. 

Swimming has been such a central part of my life, consuming much of my time. Therefore, I was a bit nervous about what life would look like after my swimming career. I initially studied human physiology at Boston University with the aspiration of becoming a doctor. However, when the pandemic hit I felt as though my plans were disrupted, causing me to reevaluate my career path. After doing some research, speaking to friends and my parents I felt that a business degree could provide a versatile foundation, enabling me to work in the healthcare field while also broadening my opportunities in the workforce.

Pursuing a business degree offered several advantages. I saw that it would equip me with essential skills in management, finance, and marketing, all of which are valuable in various professional settings. Additionally, when looking specifically at the MSc at Imperial College Business School, I felt that it allowed me to combine my passion for healthcare with an understanding of business operations. So truthfully, choosing a business degree was in part a strategic decision to ensure I have a diverse set of skills and a solid professional footing, allowing me to navigate the workforce confidently and continue making an impact in the healthcare industry.

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

While I’m not entirely certain about the exact path my future career will take, I do feel confident that the combination of my athletic achievements and business education will serve as a strong foundation for success. From swimming, I’ve gained invaluable skills such as time management, discipline, and teamwork. These skills will undoubtedly help me perform at my best in any professional setting. My athletic background has also instilled in me a sense of perseverance and the ability to thrive under pressure, qualities that are essential in the workforce.

I’ve always had a passion for helping people, which is why I initially pursued human physiology with the aspiration to become a doctor. Although my path has shifted towards business, my goal of making a positive impact, specifically in healthcare remains unchanged.

I believe that my business education, combined with my leadership skills honed through years of competitive swimming, will enable me to drive meaningful changes within healthcare systems. Moreover, my experience as an athlete has taught me the importance of setting goals and working diligently to achieve them. I believe this mindset will help me navigate the complexities of the healthcare field and strive to implement innovative solutions that improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Ultimately, I envision a future where I can combine my passion for helping others with my leadership and business skills to create positive changes. While I see the exact path still unfolding, I’m committed to using the lessons I’ve learned from both swimming and my business studies to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference.

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

I found that swimming has imparted so many useful skills applicable to my business studies. The first is time management – balancing rigorous training schedules with academic responsibilities taught me how to prioritize tasks effectively and manage my time efficiently. This skill is essential in business, where meeting deadlines and balancing multiple projects are crucial for success.

I also believe time management segue into having discipline and routine which help to stay focused on the tasks at hand and ensuring a steady progress on projects. Teamwork is another skill. Although swimming is often an individual sport, being part of a team has taught me the value of collaboration and supporting others. In business, teamwork is essential for successful project management and achieving collective goals. And finally when we race we want to be the best, best time, win the race and I believe this leads to a commitment to perform the best. This commitment in any aspect of my life drives me to excel in my studies. This dedication ensures that I put forth my best effort in every assignment and project, striving for excellence.

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

Here is some advice I wish I was given before pursuing my masters while training and competing in my sport, all things I learned along the way.

Firstly, build a strong support system!!! Surround yourself with a network of supportive friends, family, and mentors. They will be your anchor when times get tough, like helping you stay motivated and guiding you through challenges. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, practical advice, or just someone to listen, your support network can provide the strength and perspective you need. My support system is very much the reason I kept pushing and grinding studying and sport. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. While trying to balance school, studies, and moving to a new city it wasn’t easy and I think one truly needs to grasp that.

“choosing a business degree was in part a strategic decision to ensure I have a diverse set of skills and a solid professional footing, allowing me to navigate the workforce confidently and continue making an impact in the healthcare industry.”

Balancing sports, academics, and career pursuits can be very demanding. If you’re finding it difficult, know that it’s normal. Push through the tough times because the sense of accomplishment when you succeed is incredibly rewarding. If there’s a moment you’re struggling lean on the skills we learn through sport – learn to manage your time effectively. There will be moments when you’ll need to take a step back and prioritise what’s most important. Whether it’s a big competition, a critical exam, or an important project, having the ability to prioritise and stay organised is key. And within that, self care should also take priority. Maintaining a balance between your athletic, academic, and personal life is crucial!! Make sure to take care of your mental and physical health. Breaks and self-care are essential for sustaining long-term success. 

Specifically speaking about pursuing a career in business, I would say leverage the skills you learn from doing sports, such as discipline, dedication, and time management as these traits will help you understand how to tackle challenges, stay focused, and will help you achieve your business goals. The ability to manage your time effectively will help with prioritising tasks, setting clear goals, and staying organised to ensure handling multiple responsibilities efficiently.

Secondly, networking is key to building a successful business career. Attend the industry events you can, join professional organisations, and don’t be afraid to connect with people both online and offline. Networking can open doors to opportunities, provide valuable insights, and help you build a solid professional reputation. 

Interview by Peter Remon

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