Marie Rocamora: When the Grace of Rhythmic Gymnastics Meets Pharmacy Studies

Marie Rocamora, a 20-year-old sophomore in pharmacy school, competes in rhythmic gymnastics at the highest national level. Between her ball, clubs, and studying, she shares the secrets to her success.

Balancing Elite Sports and Studies: The Art of Organization

For Marie, juggling daily training sessions and her pharmacy classes is a real organizational challenge. She trains every evening except Sundays and Tuesdays at the Montpellier GRS club.

“Sometimes it’s hard,” says Marie, who had to make a difficult choice and temporarily put her gymnastics on hold during her PASS year. “In November, I realized I couldn’t keep it up anymore, so I told myself, ‘Okay, I’m taking a break.’” It was a courageous decision that allowed her to succeed during that demanding year.

Today, she has found a balance in her life. Sports have become an asset to her studies by forcing her to stay organized and make the most of her study time. For its part, the university offers tailored accommodations, such as allowing her to switch courses when she has a competition, make up missed classes, or move up the start date of her mandatory internship.

Athletic Performance: Excellence in the Service of Passion

Marie competes at the highest level in France, playing in the National 18+ division in singles and the National Division 1 in team play.

Her passion began at age six after watching the World Championships in Montpellier, and it led her to the 2019 French Championships in Reims, where she delivered two flawless routines that earned her a spot at the National A level.

“I would describe rhythmic gymnastics as a blend of flexibility, technique, and the elegance found in classical dance,” she explains, referring to this discipline, which uses five apparatus: ball, clubs, ribbon, hoop, and rope.

Advice for Prospective Student-Athletes: “Don’t Give Up on Sports”

Marie's message to future student-athletes is clear: don't give up on your passion. She emphasizes how sports and pharmacy studies complement each other, viewing sports as a real asset.

His secret? “It’s organization and the discipline we impose on ourselves.” That discipline allows him to keep up with his classmates, even though they have more free time.