Since 2016, PINES has granted 20 scholarships to the IOC Sports Nutrition Diploma Program. Has this scholarship impacted the professional careers of the recipients? We reached out to some of the winners to find the answer to that question. Here is the response from Ecuador native Erick Mosquera, who is currently living in the UK
Erick Mosquera (Scholarship Awarded in 2021)
When I began the first year of the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition in 2020, I was self-employed in Ecuador, working with CrossFit athletes through individual consultations. During the second year, I continued my work with these athletes while embarking on a master’s degree in Sports Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). The flexibility of the IOC Diploma program allowed me to balance my responsibilities effectively, providing a strong foundation for my academic and professional growth.
Since graduating, my career has evolved in exciting and meaningful ways. I am currently pursuing a PhD at LJMU and leading the High-Performance Unit’s Sports Nutrition Department. These roles have allowed me to combine applied practice with research, working with a diverse range of athletes. From professional combat athletes in the UK to Olympic medalist wrestlers in Azerbaijan, my experiences have been enriched by the foundational knowledge and skills I gained through the IOC program.
I firmly believe that the IOC Diploma prepared me to thrive in the challenges of my master’s degree and beyond. The program equipped me to take on a multifaceted role during my time at LJMU, including:
- Supporting various research groups.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including physiologists, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches.
- Meeting my academic responsibilities while excelling in applied practice.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum and scholarship support have been invaluable. It not only added significant value to my resume but also gave me the confidence and expertise to navigate the dynamic fields of sports nutrition, research, and athlete support.
