Saying no to a Friday bar is just a yes to something else

Juliane Falsig Hvid is training to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in the 3000-meter steeplechase event.

By Anna Skovby Hansen

26-year-old Juliane Falsig Hvid studies health technology part-time, so she can dedicate more of her energy to what she calls “the 2024 Olympics in Paris” in the 3000-meter steeplechase. A pursuit that requires a time of 9:22.99 minutes or a top ranking on the world list.

Juliane Falsig Hvid has a background in military pentathlon, where disciplines such as shooting, swimming, and obstacle running are contested. From there, she transitioned to the 3000-meter steeplechase, and within a year, she was on the biggest stage at the World Championships in Budapest. However, she had the worst possible World Championship debut when she fell over an obstacle.

“It turned out I had broken my jaw. I could feel something was wrong; I had blood all over me. But I didn’t consider stopping at all, it wasn’t an option. I’m proud that I kept on running.”

She didn’t let the fall deter her, and since then, she set a personal record and became the second fastest Dane in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:33.40.

Balancing student life, socializing, and pursuing a hobby can be challenging enough on its own. Although Juliane may have stressful periods, she has found a formula that works for her. It’s all about focus, having a structured daily routine, knowing her own limitations, and, most importantly, daring to dream big.

“I’d like to say to all other students who are juggling many things besides their studies – yes, studying can be really tough, but there should still be room for everything else, whether it’s a sport or something completely different,” says Juliane Falsig Hvid.

Not a superhuman

Juliane trains for nearly 20 hours a week; she’s often away for longer periods at training camps or competitions. At the same time, she’s studying health technology at DTU in her 5th semester, where she chose to study part-time.

“As I’ve gotten better at the sport, I’ve dialed down the studying a bit. I’m not a superhuman, so I can’t be 100 percent present in both places at the same time.” Juliane hasn’t only chosen to study part-time to have more time for her training. It’s also about having the opportunity to delve deep and get good grades in her studies.

“I’ve considered putting my studies on hold altogether, but I think it’s nice to have something to exercise my brain with so that I don’t come to a standstill – and have a daily life that involves something other than just myself and my training.”

Juliane Falsig Hvid studies health technology in her 5th semester at DTU.

At the same time, the sport has given her a mindset she can use in her studies when exam periods hit and everything becomes extra tough.

“If you tell yourself, oh, I can’t do it, I’ll fall, I can’t run that fast at all, then of course, you won’t be able to. The same goes for sitting an exam and thinking; I can’t figure this out or I’m so bad at this, then there’s a greater chance it will go badly.”

You have to train the body in the same way as you have to train the brain.

Juliane Falsig Hvid,
Elite athlete and student

Friday bar vs. athletics track

Juliane may have had to skip the Friday bar and parties at university, but that doesn’t mean she has forsaken a social life.

“Many would see it as giving up some social things, but for me, it’s just that I’m choosing something else.”

It’s a big motivating factor for Juliane that there’s a social element to going to training.

“I come to training to have fun with my friends; it’s much better than if you come to training just because you have to run a certain time, then some of the fun is lost.”

Juliane Falsig Hvid trains together with her training partner.

Road to the Olympics: Plan A and B in place

Juliane believes in securing a spot at the 2024 Olympics herself. And there are two ways that can make the dream come true.

There are two ways to qualify for the summer Olympics in Paris. The first is by running the 3000-meter steeplechase under the time requirement of 9:22.99 minutes at an official event. The second is by obtaining a place among the 36 fastest on the world rankings by accumulating points from athletics competitions.

“Plan A is, of course, to run the time requirement, which is 9:22.99 minutes, and I feel like I can do that at some point this season, and otherwise, plan B is to qualify on ranking.”

The first chance she gets to qualify is at the Diamond League in China, where she will run two races in Xiamen and Shanghai. Otherwise, she’ll have another chance at the European Championships.