I Am a Power Woman – My Life Between Triathlon and Medical School

We are back with a new inspiring story from Power Women in our community -German triathlete, Emely Moos  tells us how she manages to combine her challenging medical studies with intense training for triathlons. She shares some valuable tips for balancing and finding time to combine the things you are passionate about.

My name is Emely Moos, I am 25 years old, a medical student, and a triathlete. My daily life is a fascinating yet challenging mix of clinic, studies, working at a general practitioner's office, and intense training. Balancing these two worlds is not only a challenge but also an incredible enrichment for me. However, this journey began in a way I could never have imagined.

About two years ago, I experienced a turning point in my life: I tore my ACL while playing basketball, my great passion in sports. For many, this might have marked the end of a sports career, but for me, it was the beginning of a new chapter. I had to give up basketball, which had been my athletic focus for years. It was a difficult time, during which I had to find a new direction. But through a stroke of luck, I discovered triathlon with my boyfriend—a sport I had barely known before.

Triathlon is unique in many ways. It is a combination of swimming, cycling, and running—three disciplines that could not be more different but together present an immense challenge. At the beginning, I could barely swim 25 meters freestyle and struggled to run 2 kilometers without stopping. But I didn't let that discourage me. The allure of learning something new and challenging myself gripped me. Gradually, what started as an unfamiliar and exhausting training regimen turned into a passion. Today, just two years later, I not only stand at the starting line in competitions but also compete at the front. Triathlon has shown me that it is never too late to start a new sport and be successful at it.

Balancing sports and studies often seems like an insurmountable obstacle, but it is achievable. Here are some tips that have helped me navigate my path as a triathlete and medical student:

1. Time Management is Everything: A tight schedule is essential. I plan my week in advance, set priorities, and strictly adhere to my plan. This means getting up early to train before university or hopping on the bike after a long day at the clinic. This structured routine gives me the feeling of being in control of my daily life.
2. Utilize Efficiency: It’s important to make use of every minute. During breaks between lectures or while waiting for the next patient at the general practitioner's office, I read medical literature or review study material. The same principle applies to sports: I work with short but intense training sessions that perfectly fit into my daily routine.
3. Recovery is Not a Luxury, But a Necessity: With my workload, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of recovery. But I have learned that my body can only perform at its best if I allow it the necessary rest. This includes getting enough sleep, using targeted relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, and regular physiotherapy sessions to prevent injuries.
4. Flexibility is Key: It’s inevitable that my training schedule sometimes changes due to clinic commitments or unexpected events. In such moments, it’s important to stay flexible and find alternatives. For instance, if I have to miss a training day, I simply reschedule it. The goal is to keep the bigger picture in mind and not give up at every obstacle.
5. Passion and Motivation as Drivers: At the end of the day, my passion for sports and my desire to help others as a doctor motivate me. This combination drives me and gives me the energy to get through even the toughest days. It’s important to constantly remind yourself why you do what you do.

My journey from an injured basketball player to an ambitious triathlete has shown me that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard. For me, sports are a balance to the stressful study life and at the same time, a source of immense energy and satisfaction. It teaches me to constantly push my limits and give my best in every situation—whether in competition, in studies, or at the clinic.

I hope that my story encourages others to never give up and to keep exploring new paths. Life often holds unexpected turns, but these can bring the most valuable experiences. So, have the courage to try something new—it could be the best thing that ever happens to you.

It's never too late to discover the "Power Woman" within you!

Follow Emely on Instagram @emelyruns !