An Olympian has revealed her double life as an athlete and accountant – and what it’s really like when the competition of your life ends.
Hazel Ouwehand is a professional swimmer who took part in the 2024 Olympics.
During the games, the 24-year-old finished the 100m fly in 58.03 seconds, placing her in 18th place.
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Just a week ago, she also made the National Short Course Swimming Championships in New Zealand – scoring gold in 50m fly in 25.60 seconds – ahead of the world championship to be held in Scotland in December.
But Hazel’s life – which she shares with her 66,500 followers online – looks very different outside of the pool.
A recent video, which has over 4.1m views, shows her getting ready for work – swapping swimming for spreadsheets.
“Everyone at the office is super supportive of me and my swimming, a lot say it’s really cool that they can say to others that they work with an Olympian,” Hazel, from New Zealand, told Whats the Jam.
“My coworkers and friends think it’s really awesome.
“I also don’t feel like I get treated any differently from anyone else.
“We are all celebrated amongst each other for the things we achieve outside of work.“
The Kiwi also claims her bosses are supportive of her Hannah Montana lifestyle.
She said: “The directors, associates and my manager are all really flexible and accommodating.
“They allow me to fit my work in and around my swimming.
“They understand that there are sometimes competitions that cause me to be away for a few weeks at a time, but are very supportive.
“I make sure that when I am at work I give it my full attention, and appreciate their support immensely.”
As for her sport, she always has time for that.
She said: “This was my first Olympic Games and it was such an amazing and unique experience.
“It is definitely the biggest swim meet I have ever competed at and the biggest, and loudest, crowd that I have ever competed in front of.
“It was really nice to be able to escape New Zealand winter for a few weeks and trade it in for a hot European summer.
“The venue Locations for some of the events were absolutely stunning, and I thought Paris did I great job hosting the events and really hyping up the city of Paris!
“It was absolutely breathtaking.”
In a video shared to social media, Hazel can be seen posing in front of the camera as she throws her olympic gear to the side and swiftly transitions into black tights, a black dress, make-up, earrings and a blazer.
She then waves at the camera and walks out the room.
The post was captioned: “Oh the thrill of the double life,” and has gained over 41,100 likes, as well as hundreds of comments from fans.
Ralph said: “Now I wanna know what the other life is.”
Giselle added: “Very demure, very mindful.”
Someone else commented: “Olympic athlete to international woman of intrigue and mystery.”
Eva wrote: “Omg I’m obsessed.”
Saskia said: “My goodness! A beautiful professional and a swimmer?”
Mateo added: “Secret agent? Is that the double life?”
Kane commented: “So you are Wonder Woman?”
Sonia joked: “Hazel Montana.”
Next, she plans to take part in the World Short Course Championships which will be held in December later this year.
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