On Thursday, December 18, a panel discussion titled *“Medal and Diploma: The Life of a Student-Athlete”* was held in Hall A of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture. The event gathered more than 300 participants—students, FSB professors, and other interested guests from outside the faculty. The hall was filled to capacity.

The panel was moderated by sports journalist and editor Viki Ivanović, who guided the discussion for nearly an hour and a half, leading panelists through their athletic and academic journeys, challenges, and achievements.

The panel featured Tin Srbić, world champion gymnast and Olympic silver medalist; Martin Sinković, multiple Olympic, world, and European champion in rowing; and Roko Bošković, a mechanical engineering student at FSB and European U23 silver medalist in rowing.

Tin Srbić spoke about his achievements in gymnastics, including his world and Olympic medals, as well as his experience as a student. He remains highly successful in his career, and students especially welcomed his participation since he himself studied at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture. Tin highlighted the challenges of balancing training and competitions with academic obligations, including situations where professors were unable to accommodate him. He also mentioned that he is considering continuing his education in coaching.

Martin Sinković emphasized the importance of education alongside a sports career and how valuable a completed degree is after retiring from elite sport. He noted that top-level sport helps students develop discipline, organization, and mental strength, which make academic life easier. Exam anxiety, he said, is much smaller compared to the pressure of major competitions like the Olympic Games.

Roko Bošković shared his experience of studying at FSB while maintaining an intensive training and competition schedule. He pointed out that, as a younger athlete, he feels things have improved in recent years. Today, it is possible to formally regulate the status of student-athletes, making it easier to combine sports and academic commitments. Martin Sinković praised Roko for successfully managing his studies despite a demanding sports schedule and mentioned that prestigious American universities Yale and Brown had invited him to study there, which Roko declined in order to remain at FSB.

The panelists agreed that elite sport is not a “sacrifice” but a way of life—daily training and preparation are part of their routine and help them maintain a consistent level for top performance. Throughout the panel, the audience actively followed the discussion, asked questions, and often laughed at the panelists’ humorous remarks.

The shared conclusion was that, regardless of major competitions and won medals, everyday life goes on. After returning home, ordinary responsibilities await, as the world does not stop because of sporting success. The panel repeatedly emphasized the importance of systematic support from professors and the academic environment for student-athletes, enabling them to successfully balance sports and academic obligations.

We thank all panelists and the sponsor Štark for supporting the organization of this event.