2021 PINES IOC sports nutrition scholarship winners

With the generous support of Sportsoracle, PINES is able to offer a few scholarships for members studying in the 2021 IOC Diploma in Sport Nutrition. PINES traditionally offers two two-year scholarships. This year, because two of the award winners students are already enrolled in the IOC program and have already completed one year, PINES is able to split the scholarship between two students with only one year left in the program, as well as one two-year student.

We are pleased to announce the three PINES members who were successful in their application for the Scholarship. Congratulations Thandeka, Erick and Olivia.

Thandeka Portia Nomusa Mhlanga – South Africa

I’m Thandeka Portia Nomusa Mhlanga, a 30 years old African female. I completed my Bachelors degree in 2011 at Medunsa-University of Limpopo, did my community service in 2012 at Matibidi Hospital, and in 2013 I was appointed as a Junior Dietitian at Matikwana Hospital. I worked there until April 2018. Currently, I have been employed since 2018 as Senior Dietitian at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

I will complete my Masters’ Degree in Dietetics with the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in May 2021. Obtaining this degree will equip me with skill which will improve the management of and services provided to patients/clients. Within the field of Dietetics, I have special interest in the clinical and academic sectors of the profession and welcome any other opportunity that avails itself to me, I will diligently rise to the task. In my spare time, I offer voluntary services to the Special Olympics (South Africa) organization.

Erick Mosquera – Ecuador

I am Erick Mosquera, and I am a Nutritionist and Dietist graduated from the University of Cuenca in Ecuador. I am certified as a level II anthropometrist from the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK).

During 2020, I initiated the Sports Nutrition Diploma offered by the International Olympic Committee. Currently, I am one of the owners of a CrossFit training center. I also work with Ecuadorian CrossFit athletes to enhance their performance during training sessions and competitions. However, I noticed that most of the athletes of different sports disciplines from my country acquire their sports nutrition knowledge from dubious sources. In this context, I worked the last months in creating sports nutrition courses for athletes and coaches. I strongly believe that as sports nutritionists we need to focus primarily on our communication skills, so coaches and athletes can understand sports nutrition science and follow our practical recommendations.

Olivia Qi Wong – Singapore

I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Medical Dietetics degree in 2018, which exposed me to various areas of dietetics during my supervised practice. Upon graduation, I returned to Singapore and started my first dietetics job as a clinical dietitian. My interest in sports prompted me to pursue the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition while working at the hospital. During the course of pursuing this diploma, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to work at Singapore Sport Institute (SSI). This allows me to reinforce my learning and apply the knowledge from the IOC Sports Nutrition program to real-life situations, while working with national athletes at SSI.

During my free time, I enjoy baking and keeping myself active!