ROCHESTER, Minn. — Just days after competing in the Paris Games, a three-time Olympian is now pursuing a different passion here in Minnesota.
Dr. Andi Murez is proof that you can have multiple passions. On Monday, she begins her residency in psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, just weeks after competing in the Olympics with the Israeli swim team.
“If you work hard and set goals, anything is possible,” Murez said.
While studying human biology, she swam at Stanford University.
“After graduating, I wanted to continue swimming professionally, so I moved to Israel to represent the Israeli swimming team,” Murez said.
Andi Murez
Before and during her medical studies at Tel Aviv University, Murez swam in the Olympic Games in Rio and Tokyo. She says swimming and school complement each other really well.
“I learned how to maintain balance and how much exercise can relieve stress while studying medicine,” Murez said.
After completing her medical studies, she competed in the Olympic Games for the third time, at the Paris Games, in the 4×100-meter mixed medley relay. Her relay team did not win a medal, but her victory was holding the Israeli flag during the opening ceremony, representing her country in the midst of war.
“It’s just such an honor, but to be able to do it at such a difficult time and bring joy to people who are going through a difficult time means so much,” Murez said.
Murez had to skip the graduation ceremony to come to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to pursue her other dream of becoming a psychiatrist. The Mayo Clinic allowed Murez to start her residency later so she could compete in the Olympics. She hopes to use her new profession to give back to other athletes.
“Over time, I have learned and acquired skills for my own mental health, and now I want to use them to help others,” Murez said.
Marielle Mohs
