The Swiss brand On Running is organizing its third youth camp at the height of Switzerland
Elite athletes such as Jared Nugus, Helen Obiri and George Mills have made a big impact on running this year, but the Swiss company already has its eye on the next generation.
The third On Youth Camp took place in St. Moritz, Switzerland, earlier this month, with a number of Europe’s top talents in attendance to experience life as professional athletes, immersed in training, education and mentorship.
The 10-day course was led by Emelia Gorecka, a former European Under-20 track and field champion, plus Dr. Georgi Bruynwells, another top runner who is also a researcher and female athlete-researcher.
Athletes at the camp included athletes from Switzerland, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Norway. Along with the physical training elements, athletes were exposed to workshops covering key areas such as nutrition, altitude training, media interaction, anti-doping and sports psychology.
“Working with such a talented group at this year’s On Youth camp was a great experience,” said Gorecka. multiple AW: blanket star in the past. “The purpose of the camp was to give an idea of what life as a professional athlete could look like for these athletes in the future if they choose to follow this path.
“Here we provided an inclusive training schedule including altitude acclimatization, gym activations and various running exercises. Athletes also attended weekly educational seminars designed to increase their awareness and knowledge of key high performance topics.
Was among the athletes who benefited Laila Belshawwho won European Under-18 1500m gold for Britain earlier this year. Belshaw and others were able to communicate with the European Athletics Club (OAC), such as Irish miler Luke McCann, who said: I’m excited to follow their journeys in the years to come.”
Silja Mühlebach, manager of On’s athletes, added: “On Youth Camp fits perfectly with the overall distinctive approach we take as a brand to athlete collaboration. From the very beginning of On Youth Camp, our vision was to go beyond traditional sponsorship and take a holistic approach to this project.
READ MORE. Interview by Laila Belshaw
“As part of our mission to ignite the human spirit through movement, we aim to inspire the next generation of runners and provide these young talents from across Europe with the opportunity to live life as a professional athlete. The idea behind the camp is for all participants to go home with newly learned tools and skill sets that they can apply to their everyday lives to help them navigate the ups and downs of being an athlete.”
Belshaw said: “Youth camp is an incredible gift. We are very grateful to have this opportunity to train at altitude, learn from top professionals and make friends from Europe. It was an experience we will never forget.”
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