Student Stories

Desiree Seah

Class of 2018
Bachelor of Science Sport and Exercise Science (Top-up), Edinburgh Napier University

School of Health and Life Sciences

“You are the only person who knows what you are truly capable of.” – Desiree


Could you share with us about your journey as a sportswoman?

My sports journey had started both in elementary school and after school gymnastics class. Since then, my involvement with sports has been a part of me throughout my academic years. I had played for various sports teams at my school and my career as a gymnast spanned from the age of 3 to 18 years old. Throughout this time, I have learnt and adapted to the pressures of doing sports in school. Meanwhile, my gymnastics career taught me life lessons which I still live by till today.

What do you love most about gymnastics? What challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?

I started gymnastics lessons at the age of 3 but only became competitive at around the age of 6. I was taught by a strict Russian coach, without whom I would not have gained the foundation. She helped me build up strength, overcome failures and learn to be humble when I lost. As my gymnastics career progressed, I had to not only help my team achieve team awards but also do slightly better than my teammates in the individual category.

This was not easy to understand but with practice and understanding, I was able to overcome it. Other challenges I faced were during my teen years. I had what I call now – an eating disorder. There were a number of factors which led me to train harder and minimise my food intake and in retrospect, it was something I could have controlled. I had put a lot of pressure on myself to execute perfection during each practice session and if I didn’t do so, I would punish myself by having little food. When I thought about it again, I began to understand how one could easily fall into the trap of the female athlete triad.

What do you consider to be your biggest achievement?

I would say my overall achievement at school was getting the opportunities to be in different team sports. After my retirement as a gymnast, I went into judging and at a national level, I was able to judge not only local but international competitions which gave me the platform to improve my skills and on a personal level, I was able to connect with these gymnasts. As a gymnastics coach, I have been able to see my gymnasts grow in more ways than one; not only their skills but also having what is needed in the real world. I personally had my troubles towards fitness and relationship with food, therefore with a background in Fitness Nutrition by ISSA and currently taking my Master’s in Human Nutrition, I hope to be able to help out in the health community.

You hold multiple roles as a Gymnastic Coach, Judge and Fitness Nutritionist. How do you manage your time and what motivates you?

(Laughs) It is a constant struggle. My role as a judge comes around when there are competitions being held. Within a year, there has been about five or six of them taking up the entire weekend. It makes me happy to do it as I not only get to improve myself, but I also get to see many of these gymnasts grow and learn.

I’ve only been able to work part-time as a gymnastics coach as my full-time job revolves around my 4-year-old daughter. My career as a fitness nutritionist hasn’t taken off as I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Human Nutrition. However, I do have exciting side projects which I am doing now. What drives me constantly is to be able to provide a better quality of life for my daughter. Nutrition has always been and will be a part of my life.

What would be your advice for students who would like to pursue a career in the sports and nutrition industry?

Everyone has their own story as to how they had become interested in the sports and nutrition industry. I was always sports-driven, and it took an inspiring teacher during my diploma days, which let my interest in nutrition blossom. It is tough; you need to pinpoint which areas of sports or nutrition you would want to pursue as each has its own prerequisite. In the sports industry, we have personal trainers, physiotherapists, chiropractic practitioners and many more, but if the individual does not have some qualifications in nutrition, they are not allowed to advice others. In this way, studying nutrition is something positive.

There are a couple of myths out there. Firstly, unless you are in a country where sports and everything that goes with it are well-supported, financially it has its ups and downs. A part of you must not think about the financial gain but rather the compassion towards your clients. People might think that as a nutritionist, you must be good at calculating your calories, having the perfect diet and health. But even nutritionists have their struggles and the more you are able to relate to your clients, the easier you are able to get through to them. Your health goes a long way. Even though it may not be a path you would like to take, learning about it will be impactful to yourself.