Slovenian rower, Filip-Matej Pfeifer joins our incoming class of students ready to pursue their athletic and academic goals in the UK.
After topping the rowing medal chart at the Olympic Games in Paris this year, the UK further solidified its reputation as a global rowing powerhouse, with leading universities and prestigious rowing clubs drawing athletes from around the world.
One of the many talented students set to immerse themselves in the UK’s elite rowing scene this September is Filip-Matej Pfeifer. The Slovenian native has accepted an offer to attend Oxford Brookes University, home to one of the best university rowing programs in the UK and an institution renowned for producing a notable number of Olympic rowers, including several gold medallists.
Since his international debut in 2021, Filip has consistently represented Slovenia in both the European Rowing Championships and the World Rowing Cup. Through working with The Student Sport Company, Filip has secured an incredible opportunity, perfectly aligning his athletic ambitions with his academic goals. He is now poised to train and compete alongside some of the world’s best rowers, whilst pursuing his master’s degree in International Business Management.
We spoke with Filip about his upcoming arrival, including the factors that influenced his decision to study and compete in the UK, as well as his own Olympic dream.
Meet Filip
Studied in University of Ljubljana Faculty of Sport in Slovenia.
Represented Slovenia in both the European Rowing Championships and the World Rowing Cup.
Will be joining one of the UK’s top university rowing programs and pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Business Management.
What made you wish to pursue your master’s degree in the UK?
“I wanted to combine the knowledge from my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology (sports science) with a master’s degree in business while still rowing at the highest level.
Having done some research, I realized that the UK is one of the few places where I can fully achieve my goals, both academically and athletically.”
Born and raised in Slovenia, Filip attended the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Sport where he recently graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. He made his international debut racing the single in 2017 when he represented Slovenia in the World Rowing Junior Championships.
What factors did you consider when selecting potential universities, both academically and athletically?
“My main two factors when choosing the University were, a great master’s program in business and the possibility to train and compete at the highest level.
So, I looked over the rowing teams and the curriculum of the business school than I had a chat with the coach and the University staff. Other factors I put into consideration were the location and the connectivity to my home country as well as the total amount of sunny days.”
Over the past few years, Filip has consistently competed in the European Rowing Championships and the World Rowing Cup, reaching several finals in the Men’s Single Sculls. With a goal of representing Slovenia at the 2028 Olympic Games in LA, Filip will spend the next year training and competing alongside current and future Olympians in a world-class environment at Oxford Brookes University, committed to maximizing his potential and turning his dream into a reality.
Next season you will have the opportunity to compete for one of the strongest UK University Rowing Teams. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming academic year?
“The things I am looking forward to the most are experiencing a different culture, teaching style, mentality towards education, and training in a new environment among other motivated individuals.
I am also really looking forward to racing in the Henley Royal Regatta. The opportunity to compete in such a historic event, and potentially win it, would undoubtedly be the highlight of my rowing season.”
The Oxford Brookes University Rowing Team is one of the most successful rowing teams in the world. In addition to being the most successful university at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta since 1993, the team excelled at the 2024 BUCS Regatta, the largest event of the UK university rowing season, by topping the medal table with an impressive total of 20 medals over the three-day competition.
The club regularly competes in events throughout Europe during the year. In May, the Brookes Men’s and Women’s Coxless Four boats were crowned Dutch National Champions, dominating the Koninklijke-Holland Beker Regatta.
Can you describe your experience of working with The Student Sport Company?
“It’s been great. From finding potential universities that suited my rowing ambitions as well as my preferred course to filling out all the forms and submitting the applications, the team has been there for me.
The Student Sport Company have made my journey to the UK a lot easier!”
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