I'm an Olympic athlete heading to Paris this summer, but I'm also a medical student. Here's how I pursue both dreams.

• Kat Holmes is a professional fencer headed to the Olympics in Paris this summer. 
• The 30-year-old is also in medical school in New York City to become a doctor.
• Her hectic schedule includes workouts, hours of practice, and lots of studying. 

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Olympic fencer Kat Holmes. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be a fencer and a doctor.