University College Utrecht student competes in World Championship sailing
Giulietta Lang, a second year student at University College Utrecht, is competing in the World Championship of the international 29er class (a specific kind of sailboat). She has a Dutch nationality but was born and raised surrounded by water on the island of Mallorca. Last year she decided that it was time to leave her comfort zone and go study in the Netherlands. We talked to Giulietta about her journey towards the World Championship, balancing studying and training and how UCU has helped her reach her goals.
Congratulations on reaching the World Championship! Can you tell me a about the journey there?
I have had an amazing childhood. Every day was a little adventure, whether I decided to go sailing, surfing, swimming or hiking in the mountains. I have been sailing since I was 6, competitively I started sailing when I was 8 and at the age of 12 I made the state's team. From the ages of 16 to 18 I have been part of the Spanish National Team and have represented my country in the World Championships and European Championships. After a small break from sailing I decided I wanted to get back to it, and my sailing team Real Club Nautico de Palma has given me the opportunity to jump in the 29er class (which was completely new to me) this summer and replace a team mate in the World Championship.
If you want it bad enough you'll make it work
How do you balance studying and training for the competition? Would you say pursuing an athletic/sporting career is doable besides studying at UCU?
Combining studies and training and competing has never been much of a problem to me, how I always see it is if you want it bad enough you'll make it work. Right now the job is easy since I have holidays, but during the year it’s not the most glamourous lifestyle and schedule. Getting up at 5.30 am in the weekends and getting back home at 19.00 is not always fun, and it is even more frustrating when you have to do your readings and other hand-ins in the train or when you get home, but it is worth it! So in terms of whether it is doable or not it's more a question of whether you want it bad enough and whether you are determined enough to get the job done.
Has UCU helped you pursue your goals as a sailor while also making sure you could continue your studies? If so, how?
The UU has an athlete program, however it is a little bit of a puzzle to contact the right people and have the right documents. However this summer I was able to contact Mark Baldwin, Student Life Officer at University College Utrecht, and the future looks bright. I cannot make the beginning of the school year which has been certified and UCU has approved me to start a little later which is crucial for me.
Some of my classes have definitely helped me develop as an athlete
Are there things you’ve learned at UCU that turned out useful in your sailing career?
I consider everything I learn to be helpful in sailing, including what I learn at UCU. My time at the campus has taught me how important it is to stick to the right people and do what you love no matter how complicated the situation gets. That goes for courses as well! Some of my classes have definitely helped me develop as an athlete, take Introduction to psychology for example. Sailing is a very tricky game you have to think ahead of what others will do, keep your own mind in check and be aware of your relationship with your crew.
When are you graduating and what are your plans for after UCU?
I am currently planning to graduate in the Double Degree of LAS and Physics so I will probably graduate in 2024. I am not sure yet about what I want to do after UCU. At the moment sailing is obviously my priority. I’d like to continue any type of sailing whether that is in larger boats doing the circuit or pursuing and Olympic career. As for a further career I am still debating what I want to do. I always like to challenge myself so i think a 9 to 5 office job isn't really how i see my future but who knows, maybe I end up as an engineer at a company developing boats!