18 year old Mie Nielsen had a very good 2013-14 season in the pool and is now being rewarded for her performances. She will receive a scholarship worth kr 100,000 (approximately $14,000 USD) from the National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF).
At the European Short Course Championships Nielsen won the 100 backstroke in a new championship and European record along with setting a new world record as part of the Danish 4 x 50 freestyle relay team. She also won a third gold as part of the 4 x 50 medley relay team.
She also collected two gold medals at the 2014 European Championships first tying Katinka Hosszu for the gold in the 100 backstroke while adding another as part of the Danish 4 x 100 medley relay team. That was not the end of the hardware she came away with collecting a bronze in the 50 backstroke as well.
Along with her medal collection Nielsen also set new Danish national records in the 50 and 100 backstroke both short course and long course. She also set a new record in the short course 200 freestyle.
Nielsen is one of nine athletes who will receive this scholarship which was awarded to athletes who have the potential of placing in the top eight at the Olympics in Rio. The scholarships were awarded to younger athletes whose training would be significantly enhanced due to the financial support.
“We have chosen athletes, where a scholarship both benefit them financially and can be used as further motivation to do a little extra which can make the difference and lift them up to the highest level for the Olympics in Rio,” said Morten Rodtwitt, Olympic Chief and Chef de Mission of the DIF.
“The nine were selected from many qualified candidates.”
The athletes can use the funds for things such as daily training costs, rent subsidies, compensation for coaches, training camps and competitions as well as travel expenses.
The scholarships will be given to the athletes at the rate of $500 USD a month for 24 months (from September 1, 2014 through August 2016). In addition they will receive a travel grant of $5000 USD.
Well deserved. 100000DKR sounds better that $14500! Go for Gold in Rio.