-Kicking off 2024, my travels took me to exhilarating HYROX competitions and events across Europe. Following visits to Amsterdam, Munich, and Frankfurt in late 2023, it was great to attend events in Manchester, Glasgow, and Vienna for the European Championships. These visits provided fantastic opportunities to engage in discussions about the HYROX Academy curriculum, explore potential partnerships, and discuss the involvement of new lecturers and authors for the Academy.
​
The "Performance Professional" course, a cornerstone of the Academy, comprises seven modules: Coaching Philosophy, Functional Anatomy, Fitness Components, HYROX Engine and Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, The 8 Workouts, Planning and Periodization, and the Mental Aspect of the Sport.
Reconnecting with former colleagues, such as Dr. Phil Graham-Smith from Manchester Metropolitan University, was a highlight, enriching these discussions with their expertise. These travels have not only broadened my network but also cemented the HYROX Academy's role in shaping the future of fitness education.

Today I start the course "Soccer Markets: Case Studies". In the course we look at selected case studies on the topic of soccer markets. This will be clubs, federations or events.
A central case this year will certainly be the FIFA World Cup in Qatar one of the most discussed sporting events ever. We will have a critical look from a strategic and business perspective as well as from a ethical  point of view. Does Qatar's sports and diversification strategy pay back or has it maybe done more harm to the reputation of the country? A number of scientific research papers which have been published over the past decade will serve among media reports as a good basis for the discussions in the seminar.
​But we will also expect live interview guests with regards to the topic, who give us insight information about the development of the  sports market in Qatar and the Middle East.

Another topic will be the business case of developing woman's football. While most experts are looking in ever growing soccer market of China, many oversee opportunities in other asian countries. In a workshop format we will analyze markets, their stakeholders and special requirements when it come to develop woman sports in general and soccer in particular. 
This course will be also available on my online academy www-ralfiwan.academy