Athlete Profile: Joe Klimcak

Name

Joe Klimcak

Course and Year of Study

MSc Software Engineering (2nd Year)

College

Kellogg

Sport

Olympic Wrestling

Club

Team GB/Team England

Highest Competition Level

International

Best Achievement

Slovak, British, Irish Open Championships

Short Term Aspirations

Commonwealth Games

Long Term Aspirations

Olympic Games

How did you get into the sport?

My father was one of the best Olympic Freestyle Wrestlers in Czechoslovakia of his time. I can only dream of reaching his accomplishments, but that won't stop me from trying. 

What is your advice on balancing sport and academia?

Habit is a powerful drug. The more times you do something correctly, the easier it becomes. Time management and balancing academia/sport is no exception. Early wakeups, planning schedules and a healthy lifestyle also help along the way.

How have you managed training during lockdown?

I wasn't able to wrestle, so I used the time to work on my flexibility, strength and conditioning. It wasn't exactly perfect, but neither is life. Focusing on different athletic goals was surprisingly refreshing, and I'm looking forward to using the new physical developments back in the world of wrestling.

Any advice for Oxford University students during lockdown?

Be creative. You don't need perfection and fancy workout equipment to keep progressing. If you don't have access to regular equipment, embrace the outside world and your body weight.