Life after graduation
Beorn Nijenhuis has obtained a PhD in Neuropsychology and conducts research on the brain and performing under pressure. In the past, he made a name for himself with notable achievements as a long track speed skater. Everything I do relates to society, science and myself as a former top athlete and academic
What I do doesn’t fit in a box
You skated at the highest level for 10 years. Back then, did you know what you wanted to do next? When my career as a professional skater ended, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Fortunately, University College Utrecht gave me the opportunity to find out exactly where my interests lay. I had a great time there, partly because of the motivated lecturers, the interdisciplinary aspect and the great assignments we were set. For instance, I used my thesis to prove that the starting position, in an indoor or outdoor skating rink, is actually unfair. My evidence was later confirmed by other studies.
So, was the seed to continue with sport and science actually planted then?Correct. After completing my studies at UU, I decided to focus on researching the relationship between top performance and the brain. That’s why I did a PhD on the mop foot. I was able to prove that it’s a neurological disorder. I now work at the Amsterdam University of the Arts, teaching musicians about their brains and how to cope with the pressure of performing at the highest level.
I’m not a former athlete or a university graduate but both at the same time
How do you feel about the combination of top athlete and university graduate?It’s difficult for society to appreciate both my top-sport and academic achievements. That’s because what I do isn’t easy to fit into one particular box. I’m seen as either a former athlete or an university graduate. People don’t always see that I’m actually both.
And now ... Après nous, le déluge — after us, the flood. Or maybe not. No one can predict the future and there’s something exciting about that. So for now, I’ll continue to navigate society and see what’s right for me