Anna Poledna, is a Molecular Bioscience and Biogeochemistry major in the Class of 2025 from Austria.
She is the member of DKU Women’s Basketball Varsity Team, Yoga Club leader, and a pioneering force behind the new Climbing Club. As if there is not enough, she decided to “give a shot” and take on the rigorous “Conquer the Wall” marathon on the Great Wall of China. And yes, she won!
Anna Poledna, Class of 2025
Q: How has basketball shaped your experience as a student-athlete at DKU?
Basketball has been a part of my experience at DKU. Being on the varsity team has taught me so much about teamwork and resilience and it has helped me build strong connections with my teammates and the broader DKU community. The lessons I’ve learned on the court—like staying determined and collaborating with others—have carried over into everything else I do. In a way, those same lessons were crucial during the marathon, as I drew on the resilience and mental focus, I’ve built through basketball to push through the challenges of the race.
Anna playing in the basketball team
Q: Can you tell us about the Beijing marathon and your experience attending with other DKU peers?
Honestly, it was such a surprising journey. I had never considered myself a runner before, but when a friend suggested it, I decided to give it a shot. The whole process of preparing and training for the marathon, as well as the event itself, was such a memorable experience. Being part of a group, traveling together, and supporting each other along the way made it so much more enjoyable. The race itself was even more challenging than we expected, with uneven terrain and over 3,000 meters of elevation. Winning was never my goal; I just wanted to finish. So, finding out I was in first place felt surreal and showed me how much I could push myself if I just kept going.
Q: Can you share more about the preparation process for the marathon?
The preparation was a journey in itself. I had never been a runner before, but when a friend mentioned the race, I decided to give it a try. The training plan looked intimidating at first, but over time, I was able to hit milestones that seemed impossible just a week prior. Having peers to talk to and train with made the experience much more fun and motivating. We didn’t know much about running at the start, and made some mistakes like running long distances without water or gels along the way, but over time, we learned, adapted, and it all became doable.
Anna wins the first place in 2024 Beijing “Conquer the Wall” Marathon
Q: How did your climbing experience help during the marathon?
My background in mountaineering and climbing gave me a significant edge on the Wall’s challenging terrain. The uneven ground, steep stairs, and sharp inclines felt familiar, as they resembled the tough trails and climbing environments I’ve navigated before. That experience helped me stay steady, confident, and adaptable throughout the race, turning what could have been a major challenge into an advantage.
Anna is climbing the frozen cliff in Hohe Tauern, Austria
Q: What was being part of the DKU athletic community meant to you?
It’s been transformative. When I first came to DKU, there wasn’t even a sports complex, so seeing how much athletics has grown here has been amazing. The environment encourages everyone to take part and be active, and that’s what inspired me to get involved in so many ways. Whether it’s basketball, yoga, climbing, or even something like the marathon, it’s all about building community and pushing yourself to grow. That’s what I love most about it.
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