ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN FOR CLASS OF 2021
Each year, the International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS), offers a scholarship to an athlete looking to transition into sports management. Applications for class of 2021 – starting in September 2020 – are now open.
The AISTS is home to the World’s No.1 Sports Management Master Program (Eduniversal rankings 2015-2019) and located in the heart of the Olympic Capital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Academy was co-founded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the degree is signed by three leading Swiss universities; EPFL, University of Lausanne, and University of Geneva.
Each year the scholarship – which has a value of CHF 14’950 (50% of the tuition fee) – is available to a current or former athlete who has competed at international levels. To find out more and to apply please visit here.
Athletes who have previously studied at AISTS include Elizaveta Bracht-Tishchenko OLY, Russian volleyball double Olympic medalist, Wilson Kipketer, track and field double Olympic medalist from Denmark, So Hee Kim, short track speed skater double Olympic medalist from South Korea and Toni Wilhelm OLY, three-time Olympian windsurfer from Germany, to name a few. Trinidad and Tobago’s three-time Olympian sprinter and hurdler Mikel Thomas is also completing his degree, during this year’s class.
Meet this year’s scholarship winner – Olympic Race Walker, Marc Mundell
The recipient of class of 2020’s Athlete Scholarship was Olympic Race Walker, Marc Flynn Mundell, 36, from South Africa. Marc started his journey with AISTS in September this year and will graduate next December.
Originally from Hillcrest in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, Marc began his international race-walking career competing at the Pacific School Games in 2000, made his first national senior team in 2004, and has competed internationally in race walking events ever since.
Marc’s London 2012 appearance became a career-defining moment, setting a new national and continental record in the 50km walk and coming 29th overall. Marc also aims to compete in Tokyo 2020.
Why was Marc chosen for the AISTS scholarship?
Marc hoped that his experience as an international athlete, academic background, and work experience in international sport would help him stand out during the scholarship application. And it certainly did. But what attracted him in the first place?
“I loved the idea of an international sports masters with the backing of the IOC,” says Marc. “And of course, located in Switzerland and the Olympic capital. I desperately wanted to prepare for life after international competition and this program provided the best opportunity and exposure.”
Marc’s ultimate aim is to be immersed in the international sports industry, long after retiring from race walking.
“I want to retire from race walking having fulfilled a childhood dream and achieved all that I am capable of as an athlete,” says Marc. “I want to dream new dreams with my wife and raise children who are inspired to chase their own goals. And I want to work in global international events as a sports consultant, and to ultimately be a chef de mission of an international or Olympic team.”
Meet 2018’s Athlete Scholarship winner Thomas Roos
If you would like to apply for the next edition of the AISTS Master in Sports Administration and Technology you can find out more here or email info@aists.org