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BEIJING — Like all elite cross-country skiers, Rémi Drolet has a packed schedule. But unlike some of the others, he has to add studying physics and math at Harvard University to his plate. 

How does he balance the two?

"Last year, it was very difficult for me. This year, I took a sabbatical to better prepare (for the Olympics)," said the Rossland, B.C. native, who also speaks impeccable French. "It's what allowed me to get here. If I tried to go to school right now, it would be really tough."

Drolet finished in 33rd in the 15-kilometre classic on Friday.

Last year, Drolet juggled it all while competing on the World Cup circuit — something that was made a little easier by the fact that most classes had been moved online. 

"I was still able to go to the World Championships and several World Cups," he said. "It was pretty difficult to finish my races and go directly to my hotel to do my schoolwork." 

Next year, he still hopes to compete in a number of races, "but it will certainly be harder and will depend on what my teachers say," he said. 

With math and physics, Drolet admits he didn't pick the easiest of subject matter.

"Maybe not, but I really like it," he said, adding that he worked hard in high school to get the marks he needed to get accepted to the Ivy League school.

"I'm really happy to be able to combine a good education and a high level cross-country ski career," he added.

For many students, studying at Harvard is a dream. In Drolet's case, he chose the prestigious Boston-area university mainly for its ski team. 

"For me, it was important to have a school where I could study at a high level and get a good education," he said. "It was also important for me to have a good ski team around me while I was studying so I could get out of school and keep skiing after if I wanted."

Drolet got in touch with the coach of the ski team, who helped him with the application process. Drolet wasn't recruited by the school, but says his skiing "helped a bit" in getting in. 

In the winter, the team trains on a golf course that has artificial trails, but he notes that Vermont and New Hampshire are relatively easy to reach by car.

As for his future off the track, the 21-year-old hasn't decided for sure, but he's interested in advanced technologies in computing and aeronautics.

"It might be fun to do a PhD," he said. "That, however, I think would have to wait until after my skiing career."

Drolet said he plans to find summer jobs in the next few years that will hopefully that will help guide him down a career path. 

Drolet's parents both come from Quebec, but were drawn west by the mountains.

"They went for skiing and loved it too much to go back to Quebec," Drolet said. 

However, most of his extended family lives in the Belle Province, and they're sure to be glued to the television when Drolet joins teammates Graham Ritchie, Antoine Cyr and Olivier Léveillé for the 4x10 kilometre relay on Sunday — even if it takes place in the middle of the night (2 a.m. ET). 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2022.

Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian Press