Track and field
If you get a scholarship in track and field and go live your American dream, you can expect some differences with the French system. First, training schedules will be established by the coaches in accordance with the NCAA training rules. An athlete should expect to practice at least 5 days a week, 3 to 5 hours a day, knowing that a minimum rest day is mandatory. This higher level of training received as part of university practice in the USA makes it easier for athletes to achieve higher levels of physical fitness and performance than they are able to achieve in Europe. American universities offer athletes support from coaches and physiotherapists as well as the equipment necessary to practice a high level sport (physiotherapy rooms, cold baths, electrostimulation devices, pressure therapy boots,...)
Schedule : The competitions take place from January to May with first the indoor season and then the outdoor season. For the middle distance the cross-country season takes place from September to November.
Example of a typical day
Morning
6 am : Wake-up Time
6:30 am - 8:30 am : Training
8:30 am - 9 am : Health care/physiotherapist
9 am -10am : Breakfast, change of clothes
10 am-12 am : Classes
Afternoon
12 am -1 pm : Lunch break
1 pm - 3 pm : Classes
3 pm - 4:30 pm : Work out
4:30 pm - 6 pm : Studies
6 pm - 8 pm: Free time/Dinner
Video credits : FloTrack Youtube Channel
The conditions for obtaining a scholarship
To be a high school graduate (all sectors)
To pass the TOEFL (English test) and other admission tests (SAT, GRE, GMAT)
To have a good academic level
To have a national level of performance
To be motivated and not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone
Testimonies
Titre 1
Maxime Gardes - sprinter
An exceptional experience, if I had to do it again, I would recommend it to a lot of athletes. The infrastructures are just exceptional, we can't compare with France. We have a brand new track, a weight room dedicated only to student athletes, two brand new "training rooms" (physiotherapy room), with cold bath, ultrasound, stimulation, boots and many other devices for recovery and treatment. I received very good support, even after the placement, USA-PROJECT is always available to answer any questions or concerns.
Hasna Kaarour - middle distance runner
Here, everything is set up for the success of each motivated student. This experience is really worth the effort! I thank Martin for having successfully contributed to the success of my project, in which I thrive every day. Martin has been very active and responsive to the slightest request. He was able to respond to my project as I had dreamed. Even though I was in Strasbourg and USA Project in Toulouse, the distance did not in any way prevent the procedure from running smoothly. Martin does everything possible, with his team, to ensure a quality follow-up. His advice was invaluable, as he had already experienced it so he knows the subject perfectly well. That's very reassuring.