2024 PINES IOC sports nutrition scholarship winners

With the generous support of Sportsoracle, PINES is able to offer a few scholarships for members studying for the 2024 IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition.

We are pleased to announce the two PINES members who were successful in their application for the Scholarship. Congratulations Mariana and Nicolas.

Mariana Leiva Del Vecchio- Costa Rica

I’m Mariana, a 26-year-old Costa Rican. I grew up in a family that cared a lot about staying active and eating healthy, which fueled my own interest in sports. My interest in applying for the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition scholarship arises from the passion I have for learning and working in this area, which has led me to obtain the Diploma of the International Sports Nutrition Course of the Mexican Federation of Sports Nutrition, Level 2 of ISAK, and the Sports Nutrition course of the University of Costa Rica.

I have reaffirmed this in the experience I have had as a volunteer in the sports nutrition area at the Sporting Football Club, a club of first division in Costa Rica, that was created in one of the lowest-income areas of the country, with the mission of offering opportunities for young people to emerge through sport. During my time here, I have had firsthand experience of what it means to bring knowledge and practice of sports nutrition and adapt it to the reality of young people with limited resources to improve their sports performance.

Completing this diploma will be a transformative experience for both me and the sports nutrition community I work with in my home country, and it is especially significant for regions like mine, with fewer resources and educational opportunities, where access to formal high-quality education opportunities in sports nutrition in the country is limited or non-existent and is often a challenge. This diploma program offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in sports nutrition, which can be used in various ways to make a positive impact. Therefore, obtaining this diploma will not only enrich my knowledge and help me stay up-to-date with evidence-based information and practices in sports nutrition but will also allow me to act as a bridge between advanced sports nutrition concepts and the communities in my country, where such knowledge is scarce, often finding that athletes, coaches, sports teams, and even dietitians and nutritionists are misinformed about adequate sports nutrition to ensure the health and safety of athletes.

By adapting and simplifying the principles of sports nutrition, I can make this vital information accessible to a broader audience, regardless of financial status. This can potentially promote healthier lifestyles and enhanced athletic performance. Additionally, the awareness I can raise about the significance of sports nutrition may incentivize governments, non-profit organizations, and institutions to invest more in this field. The completion of this diploma will enable me to actively participate in educational initiatives, workshops, and public outreach programs to communicate valuable information about sports nutrition and its impact on performance.

Principally because in Costa Rica, there is a lack of knowledge of the importance of a sports nutritionist. In conclusion, completing the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition goes beyond personal and national benefits. By sharing knowledge and raising awareness, I can help improve the well-being and athletic performance of individuals and communities, regardless of their level of financial status. Empowering athletes, coaches, and the general public to make informed choices to improve their nutrition and general well-being.

Nicolas Gunn – New Zealand

I am a Registered Nutritionist in New Zealand and a Registered Dietitian in Argentina.

My journey is accompanied by significant certifications, including Sports Nutrition from Sports Nutrition Australia (SNA), a Sports Nutrition Diploma from The Clinical Nutrition Association (Argentina), and ISAK level 2 in Kinanthropometry. Early in my career, I honed my skills in hospital food management in various Argentinean hospitals.

In 2016, I embarked on a new chapter in New Zealand, initially engaging in face-to-face client interactions. The onset of the pandemic in 2020 prompted me to transition to online practice. My global collaborations span NZ, Australia, and Argentina, involving mentorship at the Holistic Performance Institute. I’ve proudly collaborated with esteemed professionals.

Presently, I contribute my expertise as a senior Nutritionist in a bariatric clinic while maintaining my online practice, both independently and with an established and prestigious New Zealand online clinic. I’ve also taken up a lecturing role in sports nutrition at the University where I earned my degree (UNSTA).

Beyond my professional endeavours, my love for sports nutrition is complemented by quality time spent hiking, biking, and weightlifting with my cherished family.

As a Registered Nutritionist based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a dedicated private practice, I have had the privilege of working with numerous active individuals. However, I am eager to elevate my expertise to the realm of high-performance sports nutrition, and the IOC diploma is the key to unlocking this opportunity. In my daily practice, I engage with clients who have diverse athletic goals and requirements. I have witnessed the transformative impact that personalised nutrition can have on their performance and overall well-being. To truly excel in catering to the nutritional needs of elite athletes and those striving for peak performance, I recognise the importance of acquiring specialised knowledge and skills, which the IOC diploma uniquely provides. One of the primary challenges I have encountered in pursuing high-performance roles is the prerequisite of holding either the IOC diploma or a Master’s in Sports Nutrition from a recognised university. Unfortunately, the financial constraints associated with pursuing a Master’s degree have been a barrier for me. The IOC diploma not only represents a more accessible avenue for advancing my qualifications but also aligns seamlessly with my professional aspirations.

Being a New Zealand Registered Nutritionist, I have actively contributed to the well-being of the community, and I see this diploma as an opportunity to expand my impact. I have previously applied for high-performance roles, driven by the belief that my skills and experience uniquely position me for success in such environments. However, the absence of the requisite qualifications has been a limiting factor in securing these opportunities. With the IOC diploma, I aim to overcome this barrier and enhance my standing as a qualified sports nutrition professional, ready to contribute to the field of high-performance sports. Moreover, the impact of acquiring this prestigious certification extends beyond my career aspirations.

By obtaining the IOC diploma, I am committed to leveraging my enhanced expertise to contribute meaningfully to the sports nutrition community in New Zealand. This includes sharing knowledge, collaborating with fellow professionals, and actively participating in initiatives that promote health and well-being through optimal nutrition strategies.

To finish, I firmly believe that the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition is not just a personal investment in my professional development but a commitment to advancing the standard of sports nutrition in New Zealand. I am confident that this program will equip me with the knowledge and skills needed.