Felix Duchampt, a Romanian and French triathlete, spoke to the NCAA about his collegiate career at Queens (North Carolina), where he swam and ran track and cross country. Duchampt, 34, reflects on how competing in college taught him about a team environment while allowing him to pursue both his education and an athletic career. He will compete for Romania on Tuesday in the men's triathlon in his second Olympic Games.
Why did you choose Queens?
I chose Queens because I knew I could keep swimming and running. My plan originally was to come only for running. I was already a triathlete at that point, but I knew triathlon was not a sport in the NCAA, especially for men. The running coach at that point told me that there would be a new swimming program starting the year I was coming in and that I would be able to join if I wanted to.
How was your transition as an international student into the American college system?
It was very good. I've always been someone who likes to meet new people and discover new cultures and new languages. I came to Queens, and I was lucky enough to have quite a few foreigners on my team. Everyone is really helpful in the U.S., from my teammates to the professors that were really helpful throughout my education career. So it was actually really easy. I think coming to a foreign country to study really opened my mind about many things.
What was one of the biggest lessons that you learned at Queens?
I learned a lot being in the U.S., but what I really liked in the American system was the fact that everything was more as a team. Obviously, in cross country and swimming and track, you race as an individual most of the time, but at the end of the day, what matters the most is how the team places. I really like this atmosphere in the U.S. I think it takes off some pressure, and it makes the group of teammates very close to each other.
When you look back on your time in college, how do you think it helped you become an Olympian now?
In Europe, at least in Romania or in France, it's very difficult to pursue your studies and your sport. So after high school, (athletes) basically have to choose either to keep doing academics or basically forget about studies and try to become pro in their sports. For me, the U.S. was just the best of both worlds because I kept my education. I actually got a bachelor's degree and also a master's degree from Queens.
The U.S. system allowed me to keep doing both of those things. And my training was (guided) by some great coaches at the programs at Queens. They are really successful. I was Division II when I went to Queens, and the swimming team was many times national champion, and the cross country, we were in the top 10 and (competed at) nationals quite a few times, as well.
The programs were just very successful, and I was surrounded by great coaches and great athletes, and it just makes you a better athlete. You get motivated every day to go to training. You get pushed to your limits sometimes, and that's just how you improve.