Between the Slopes and the Lecture Notes: Bára Nováková Heads from NEWTON to the Olympics Games

Barbora Nováková, a third-year student at the Brno campus of NEWTON University, shows that elite sport and higher education don’t have to compete with each other. The alpine skier secured her place at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games at the very last moment. Yet between training runs at speeds of up to 130 km/h, she still finds time to work on her bachelor’s thesis and think about her future in business.

What does life at full throttle really look like behind the scenes?

Bára, how did your passion for alpine skiing begin? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do?

I first got on skis when I was two years old, thanks to my parents. My dad ran a Brno-based ski club with its training base in Špindlerův Mlýn, so the mountains were practically our second home. My brother and I grew up around skiing naturally, and over time what started as a childhood hobby gradually turned into my main sport and a big part of my life.

Elite athletes often have to juggle an intense schedule. Why did you decide to study at NEWTON University?

I needed a university that wouldn’t close the door on me when I spend most of the year abroad. Because of skiing, I’m outside the Czech Republic for much of the season, which makes attending a traditional university extremely difficult. I’d heard that NEWTON offers flexible study options and allows students to combine their studies with other commitments. At the same time, I wanted to study economics because I’m interested in business and entrepreneurship.

You secured your qualification for the Winter Olympic Games at the very last moment. What was going through your mind when it became official?

I had known for a while that a nomination was possible, and I suspected that a few solid results this season might be enough to confirm it. Still, when the news became official, it was an incredible feeling. It’s a dream come true and proof that all the hard work was worth it.

Alpine skiing often looks graceful on television. What’s the reality behind the scenes?

People rarely see the logistical and financial side of the sport. In reality, you spend most of your time living out of a car or a hotel, and you hardly ever get home. Then there’s the mental side. In the speed disciplines I compete in, we reach around 130 km/h. At that speed, there’s simply no room for mistakes. Every run requires absolute concentration because your health is on the line.

“At 130 km/h there’s no room for mistakes. I bring the same discipline into my studies at NEWTON.”

Mastering Time Management

Can you describe a typical day during the season? How do you balance training and studying?

It really depends on the stage of the season. Autumn tends to be the most intense. Mornings are spent on the slopes, afternoons in fitness training, and whenever I can find a free moment in between I focus on studying. I usually get the most academic work done on rest days, when I’m not on the mountain and my body is recovering. During the race season it’s much harder. Competitions run from morning until afternoon and they’re exhausting both physically and mentally, so I often catch up on university work later in the spring.

You’re currently writing your bachelor’s thesis under the supervision of Ludmila Hruban. How do you manage consultations when you’re constantly travelling?

It’s definitely a challenge, but fortunately most things can be handled online these days. That allows me to stay in regular contact with my supervisor and discuss both the overall progress of my thesis and specific tasks, even when I’m not physically on campus.

Does studying business help you in your sporting career as well?

Absolutely. Studying business helps me see sport not just from the perspective of an athlete, but also from the angle of planning, organisation and long-term development. It’s made me much more aware of how important it is to manage time, energy and goals effectively. At the same time, it encourages me to think about my future career beyond competitive skiing.

The Recipe for Success: Discipline and Mindset

You describe yourself as a perfectionist both on the slopes and at university. Is the mindset the same in both worlds?

In some ways it’s different. On the slopes everything is about adrenaline and split-second decisions, while studying requires patience and persistence. But the core principle is the same: I want things done properly. I don’t like showing up at the start gate or at an exam unprepared. That consistency helps me keep both worlds in balance.

The pressure before the Olympics must be enormous. How do you keep a clear head?

I still struggle with it sometimes, but I’m working with a mental coach who has helped me a lot, especially in the lead-up to the Games. The most important thing for me is remembering why I ski in the first place — because I love it, not just for the results.

What would you say to fellow students who sometimes feel they simply “don’t have time”?

I use that phrase myself sometimes, so I understand it very well. But over time I’ve realised that it’s really about priorities. When you know what truly matters to you, you find a way to make the time. Strict planning and making the most of every spare moment helps me a lot.

What Comes After the Olympics?

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

I still have World Cup races ahead of me in Andorra and Italy, where I’d like to build on my Olympic results. After that come the European Cup finals and the Czech National Championships. At the same time, I want to finish my bachelor’s thesis and successfully complete my final state exams. I’ll do everything I can to manage both.

What would you like to say to the NEWTON community that supports you?

I’d like to thank everyone for their support and understanding. It means a lot to me that I’m able to pursue elite sport while continuing my studies at the same time.

Does Barbora’s story inspire you?

At NEWTON University, we believe that ambition — whether in business, sport or personal development — belongs alongside education. If you’re looking for a university that supports your potential, explore our study programmes and start writing your own story at NEWTON.