Time Out

Everybody needs time out, so this week, we've persuaded Performance Nutritionist Nikos Jakubiak to sit back, relax and tell us a bit about himself...

For the record, please state your full name (embarrassing middle names included):

Nikos Jakubiak - My full name is Nikolaos and it means people’s victory. Call me Niko, you lose the s when you speak directly to me; just a bit of awkward Greek grammar.

What is your job title and what do you do at/with the Institute?

My job title is Performance Nutritionist and my main responsibility is to help athletes make the right nutritional choices to support their performance in training and competition.

Have you ever participated in sport at an elite level? - If yes, then what, when, for how long and how far did you get?

Yes, I competed in Sport Taekwondo until very recently. I have won medals in A-class tournaments and other open events around Europe including a British Championship title a few years back when non-British athletes were allowed to take part.

If you could do another person's job at the Institute for a week, what would it be and why?

I would like to be a head coach. I have been coaching Taekwondo fighters successfully for many years and I would like to see how my coaching skills could transfer to a different sport.

If you could be anything else other than a Performance Nutritionist what would it be and why?

At the risk of being predictable I would like to be a fully funded Taekwondo athlete. Having competed so long in an amateur minority sport I would like to see how it feels to receive support from a whole team of experienced professionals.

If you could invite three people (living or dead) to a dinner party at your gaff… who would they be and why?

Well, I do not cope well around dead people so I think I would only invite living ones! It would have to be...

a) Robert de Niro, he is one of my favourite actors and I would love to chat about some of my favourite films he has starred in,

b) Billy Connolly, he is by far my favourite stand up comedian but I am sure he must be an extremely interesting person to meet

c) Greece’s football coach Otto Rehhagel, I would like to know how did he manage to steer Greece to our first European Championship title!!!

Where is the most scenic and far flung paradise-esque place you have visited with your work at the Institute? With work in general?

With work? Well, Ratho!

Have you ever had any bizarre/funny incidents with any of the athletes you work with? If so… whom and what?

One of our star Taekwondo fighters went to compete to a small local event. He was against a very inexperienced fighter and victory was guaranteed. For some reason he wanted to make sure he wins in style so he started showing off with some very difficult techniques. In one of these moves he slipped, fell back, hit his head on the floor and knocked himself out! Nobody knew if they should worry or laugh!

Which sports stars do you admire (if any) and why?

Any athlete in any sport who has worked hard and honestly to be the best they can be.

Describe yourself in three words.

Ambitious, Positive, Inquisitive.

Quick fire round:

Chocolate or Cheese? Dark chocolate
Edinburgh or Glasgow? Edinburgh
Raucous night out or Cosy night in? Night in
Blondes or Brunettes? Red Heads

Favourite word? Excellence
Are you a Dog person or a Cat person? Cat
Who rocks more, the Stones or Led Zeppelin? Pass
Peanuts or Cashew nuts? Cashews
Batman or Spiderman? Spiderman

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