From the classroom to the Olympic stage: how QUT Law student Saskia Broedelet is excelling in two worlds

⏳ Read time:  6 minutes

Balancing a law degree, a career in corporate law, and more than 30 hours of gymnastics training each week might sound impossible. For QUT Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student Saskia Broedelet, it’s simply become a way of life.

From representing Australia at the Paris Olympics to competing on the world stage at the prestigious Vienna International Commercial Arbitration Moot and completing international internships, Saskia has embraced every opportunity available to her during her time at QUT.

Here, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her journey so far and shares what she’s learned about discipline, resilience and making the most of every opportunity.

What inspired you to study law?

I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and finding practicals solutions to complex challenges. Legal Studies was one of my favourite subjects in high school, and it showed me that law isn’t just about rules and legislation. At its heart, it's about helping people navigate different situations and making a meaningful impact.

You’ve already had some incredible experiences while studying. What opportunities have had the biggest impact on you?

Representing QUT in the Vienna International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Austria has easily been one of the highlights of my degree.

The competition gave me the chance to work alongside an incredible team while developing practical skills in legal research, drafting, and oral advocacy. Through the moot I’ve connected with barristers, judges, lawyers and legal professionals from around the world, which has broadened my understanding of the legal professional and the many different career pathways available.

You’re not just a law student, you’re also an Olympian. What was it like representing Australia at the Paris Olympics?

Representing Australia at the Paris Olympics was an incredible honour and one of the proudest moments of my life.

The journey to the games was more than 15 years in the making and involved balancing elite sport with university study and part-time work. There were setbacks, injuries, and challenges along the way, but those experiences taught me resilience and discipline, and has given me a work ethic I now bring to every aspect of my life.

Walking out in green and gold on the world’s biggest sporting stage is something I’ll never forget.

How do you balance elite sport with studying law?

It has come down to good time management, discipline and being intentional with my time. I learnt to make the most of every spare minute - whether that was watching lectures on the train, listening to recordings while stretching or studying between training sessions. It wasn't always easy, and there were definitely times when it felt overwhelming, but having two passions kept me motivated.

The flexibility QUT offered made a huge difference. Recorded lectures meant I could keep up with classes while travelling overseas for competitions, and the Elite Athlete Program provided support through things like extensions and financial assistance. It made balancing both commitments much more manageable.

I think one of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that you don't need more hours in the day, you just need to make the most of the hours you have.

You’ve also completed an international internship in Tokyo through the New Colombo Plan Scholarship and QUT’s Mitsui Immersion Program. How did that experience shape your perspective?

The scholarship financially supported me to spend a month in Tokyo completing an internship with Mitsui & Co, which was an incredible experience both professionally and personally.

Working in an international business environment taught me a lot about communication and collaboration across cultures. One of the highlights was presenting an investment proposal to senior executives, which really strengthened my confidence and presentation skills.

I also gained valuable insight into sustainability in business through site visits and conversations about renewable energy initiatives and carbon credits. It gave me a broader understanding of how legal, commercial, and environmental considerations intersect in global organisations.

Alongside your studies, you’re working as a paralegal at K&L Gates. How does working in the industry complement what you’re learning at QUT?

One of the best things about studying law while working as a paralegal is being able to immediately apply what I’m learning.

The concepts I learn at university often appear in my day-to-day work, and practical experience helps bring classroom learning to life. It works both ways. My studies help me understand the legal issues I’m working on, and my role gives me valuable context when I'm back in the classroom.

That connection between theory and practice has made both experiences much more meaningful.

How would you describe your QUT experience?

Exciting, rewarding, and opportunistic.

QUT has given me opportunities I never expected when I first started my degree. From international competitions and overseas internships to balancing elite sport with study and working in the legal industry, every experience has challenged me to grow and expand what I thought was possible.