Anna Petutschnigg is not your average 23-year-old. A professional inline speed skater since the age of two and a dedicated law student in Innsbruck, she thrives in the balance between two vastly different worlds. On the track, she pushes her physical limits, racing at top speeds, while in the classroom, she hones her analytical skills, tackling the complexities of law.
Beyond sports and studies, Anna has a passion for fashion, seeing it as another avenue of self-expression. Whether she’s competing, preparing for legal exams, or curating her personal style, she approaches every challenge with discipline and creativity. In this interview, we dive into her journey—from growing up in a sports-driven family to her ambitions for the future, and how she manages to balance speed, strategy, and style.
Let’s get into it!
JN: First of all, how is your day?
AP: Thank you for asking! My day has been quite busy but exciting—between training and studying, there’s always a lot to do. But I love what I do, so I can’t complain!
JN: You started inline speed skating at just two years old! Do you have any early memories of skating that stand out?
AP: Yes! I remember skating around with my older siblings, trying to keep up with them even though I was so small. There’s a picture of me on skates with a pacifier in my mouth—I think that pretty much sums up how early I started!
JN: Growing up in a sporty family, how did your siblings influence your approach to sports?
AP: They played a huge role! My three older siblings are my biggest role models—they’ve always set the standard for hard work and dedication. Their competitive spirit and discipline pushed me to strive for more, and I’ve learned so much from them, both in sports and in life.
JN: Was there ever a moment when you considered pursuing a different sport or passion?
AP: I did try different sports because my parents wanted us to learn as much as possible and be well-rounded. I was a very active kid and just loved to move, so I enjoyed exploring different activities. But skating was always the way to go for me—it’s where I felt the most passion and excitement.
JN: What was the turning point when you realized you wanted to compete professionally?
AP: I think it was when I started competing internationally and saw that I could hold my own against the best. That’s when I knew I wanted to take this as far as possible.
JN: Inline speed skating isn’t as widely known as other sports. What drew you to it,and what do you love most about it?
AP: I love the speed, the strategy, and the adrenaline rush. It’s a sport that combines endurance, technique, and mental strength in a way that’s incredibly exciting.
JN: How do you manage to balance the demands of professional skating with studying law?
AP: It’s definitely a challenge, but I’ve learned to be very organized with my time. I training the morning and in the evenings and dedicate my afternoons to studying. It’s all about discipline and prioritization.
JN: Do you find any similarities between the discipline required for sports and theanalytical thinking needed in law?
AP: Absolutely! Both require focus, strategy, and a long-term mindset. In sports, you break down complex situations and think several steps ahead, and it's the same in law. Every small decision can have a huge impact. The ability to stay composed under pressure is something both fields share, and is crucial to success.
JN: Has studying law changed the way you approach your athletic career, perhaps in terms of contracts, sponsorships, or sports law?
AP: Definitely! Studying law has made me more aware of the legal aspects of sports, like contracts and sponsorships. While I don’t plan to go into sports law specifically, I find the intersection of law and business really interesting.
JN: What’s a typical day like for you when you’re juggling training, studying, and personal time?
AP: My days are pretty packed! I usually start with training in the morning, then spend the afternoon in Uni, studying or working on assignments. In the evenings, I train again, depending on what needs prioritizing at the time. I try to find balance,making time for relaxation and staying connected with family and friends.
JN: How do you handle setbacks, whether in competitions or in your studies?
AP: I try to analyze what went wrong and learn from it. Setbacks are part of both sports and academics, so I focus on improvement rather than dwelling on failures. I’m lucky to have my family by my side, supporting me in every aspect of life - that definitely helps.
JN: Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines that help you get into the right mindset?
AP: Yes! I have a playlist that helps calm me down while also getting me excited to race—it's the perfect mix to get my mind in the right place. I also go through my warm-up routine to make sure my body is ready for the race. It’s all about getting mentally and physically prepared before I step on the track.
JN: What’s been your most challenging competition so far, and how did you overcome it?
AP: The World Championships last year was definitely the most challenging. It was crucial for qualifying for the World Games, and I knew the races had to be strong since they counted for my qualification. What made it tough was that anything could happen during those races—there’s always the possibility of unexpected challenges or moments where you have to adjust on the spot. I focused on my strengths, stayed calm, and made sure to be ready for every situation that could arise. In the end, I was able to qualify, and now I’ll be heading to China to represent Austria. Since inline speed skating is not an Olympic sport, the World Games is the highest stage for our sport, so it was an incredible achievement.
JN: What advice would you give to young athletes who want to pursue a professional sports career?
AP: Stay consistent, be patient, and never stop believing in yourself. Hard work will always pay off.
JN: It also seems like you’re passionate about fashion—how would you describe your personal style?
AP: I love a mix of sporty and chic! I like looking put-together but also comfortable.
JN: Does your love for fashion influence how you present yourself at competitions or public events?
AP: Definitely! I like to bring a bit of fashion into the sports world, even at the track. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant—just a little something to make it feel more like me. Whether it’s a small detail in my outfit or how I style my gear, I enjoy adding a personal touch.
JN: Are there any brands, designers, or trends that particularly inspire you?
AP: I love classic, timeless fashion with a sporty edge—brands like Off-White, the Garment, and some Scandinavian designers really inspire me.
JN: How do you balance comfort and style in your daily wardrobe, especially with such an active lifestyle?
AP: I like to see it as having the possibility to switch between different characters—whether I’m at training or at university. When I’m training, it’s all about functionality and comfort, but when I’m at university, I enjoy dressing in a way that reflects a different side of me. It’s fun to adapt my style depending on the setting while still making sure I feel like myself.
JN: If you could create the perfect outfit that represents who you are, what would it look like?
AP: Something sleek, comfortable, and slightly sporty but elegant.
JN: What’s one fashion item you can’t live without?
AP: A pair of boots! They’re versatile, stylish, and can elevate any outfit while still being comfortable.
JN: If you could raid any celebrity’s closet, whose would it be and why?
AP: Maybe Hailey Bieber—she nails the effortless yet stylish look.
JN: When you’re not training or studying, how do you like to unwind?
AP: I love spending time with family and friends or having a very nice cup of coffee while reading a good book.
JN: You mentioned a love for books—what’s a book that has deeply influenced you?
AP: My favorite author is Martin Suter, a Swiss writer. I love his writing style—it draws you in effortlessly and makes it easy to get lost in his world. His stories are always engaging, and I enjoy how smoothly he pulls readers into his narratives.
JN: Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you think law will eventually takeover as your main focus, or do you see yourself staying in the world of sports?
AP: I think both will always be part of my life. I see myself competing as long as I can,but eventually, law will play a bigger role in my career.
JN: Do you have any long-term dreams or goals outside of skating and law?
AP: Whatever I do, I want to give it 100%—that’s something I’ve learned from sports. I don’t know exactly where life will take me, but I’m excited for the journey and ready to embrace whatever comes next.
JN: If you weren’t an athlete or a law student, what do you think you’d be doing?
AP: I’ve always admired people who can create something with their hands, whether it’s building or crafting something unique. If I weren’t in sports or law, I could see myself doing something where I get to make or design things in a hands-on way.
JN: What do you think is the biggest misconception about inline speed skating?
AP: That it’s just like ice speed skating! While they share similarities, the technique and race dynamics are completely different.
JN: Do you see yourself getting involved in sports law in the future, maybe advocating for athletes’ rights?
AP: Not really—I’m more interested in corporate law and the economy. I could see myself working in business law rather than focusing on the legal side of sports.
JN: Are there any changes or improvements you’d love to see in the professional skating world?
AP: More visibility and sponsorship opportunities for athletes would make a big.
JN: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
AP: Enjoy the process and trust that everything will fall into place with hard work and dedication.
____
Products featured on Anna
The Garment Brooklyn Bomber Jacket >Click here<
The Garment Cypus Pocket Shirt >Click here<
The Garment Denver Mini Skirt >Click here<
Adolfo Dominguez Padded Hobo Bag
Dr. Martens 8065 Mary Janes >Click here<
KOMONO Lucille Sunglasses
___
You can follow Anna on Instagram @annapetutschnigg
