A former BGSU athlete is comparing training for the Olympics to getting their accelerated physical therapy degree, according to a press release from BGSU.  

Rachel Walny, BGSU class of 2017 and 2021, said the training and preparation required to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials is similar to how she’s approaching the physical therapy doctoral program at BGSU. 

“There’s a lot of work behind the scenes, and you really have to enjoy putting your head down and doing the work. It’s the same with this program. You have to have the self-discipline and focus to do what you need and get it done in the limited amount of time we have,” she said. 

The physical therapy doctoral program is Ohio’s first and only public, accelerated hybrid program. 

Walny is among the first 96 students to participate in the program that began last fall. 

“When they announced the program, I thought it sounded perfect. I had such a good academic experience at BGSU that I felt this program would be a natural fit,” she said.  

Walny is training to qualify for the U.S. Olympic marathon trials.  

“Some runs are definitely harder than others. When I need to push through, I think about the goals I’m training for and how grateful I am for the opportunity,” she said.