From the Track to the Trails: Sporting Stories of Teva Champions Defying the Odds

As the Paris Olympics ignite the spirit of sporting excellence, we're proud to spotlight two of Teva’s own champions: Melanie Engelmann, a Senior Medical Manager from Germany, and Ran Rojek, an Associate Director in Israel Commercial Affairs. Both Melanie and Ran have defied the odds to pursue the sports they love, shaping the people they are personally and professionally. Read their stories below.

Melanie’s Journey: Challenges and Triumphs in Athletics

Melanie Englmann, Senior Medical Manager, Teva Germany

I started athletics when I was just eight years old, captivated by the sheer joy of jumping, particularly the high and long jumps. However, my journey took an unexpected turn at 12 when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It was 1991, and managing this chronic disease was far from what it is today. I feared that I wouldn't be able to live a "normal" life, let alone continue with my beloved sport.

For a while, I lost confidence and stepped away from athletics. But everything changed in 1996 with the advent of genetically modified insulin. This breakthrough allowed me to manage my diabetes more flexibly, injecting insulin just before meals rather than planning 30-45 minutes ahead. This newfound freedom inspired me so much that I decided to study for a pharmacy degree.

During my studies, I discovered that physical exercise significantly helped me focus mentally. I started running and found that targeted training made it even more enjoyable. My first marathon was in October 2010 in Munich, and I finished in 3 hours and 41 minutes, crossing the line at the iconic Olympic stadium.

Inspired by this success, I wanted to return to my first loves, the high jump and long jump, and I began training for the decathlon in Ulm. Endurance proved to be my key strength. I competed in the World Championship of Ultra Multievents in 2015 in Tartu, Estonia, winning a silver medal in my age group. Since then, I've consistently competed, earning numerous gold and silver medals.

Every step in athletics fills me with happiness. The exhilaration of a good race or a perfect pole vault, where the pole bends and propels you upwards, is indescribable. Of course, I've faced setbacks—managing diabetes, particularly during competition, can be tricky. High excitement spikes my blood glucose, while insulin can cause it to drop rapidly, leading to exhaustion. Learning to handle these fluctuations has been crucial.

Athletics has taught me invaluable lessons applicable to all areas of life. Overcoming challenges requires focus and adaptability, much like managing a team or project at work. In my job as a Senior Medical Manager, the discipline cultivated through athletics has been incredibly beneficial. The focus and mental clarity I gain from physical activity help me to stay dedicated. The teamwork and leadership skills I've developed on the track translate directly into effective collaboration and management in the workplace. Additionally, the ability to handle setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances has made me more resilient and resourceful in my job.

From the Middle East to the Alps: Ran's Story

Ran Rojek, Associate Director, Teva Israel

In a country known more for its sunny beaches than snowy peaks, it might seem unusual for someone to fall in love with skiing. But then that's what happened to me—an Israeli who discovered my passion for the slopes on a rare snowy day in Israel.

I have always been sporty, participating in karate, mountain biking, swimming, and eventually triathlons, but something about skiing just captivated me. I was immediately hooked and found myself longing for my next trip.

Over the years, as my skills on the slopes improved, so did my passion. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to become a ski instructor. Although being based in such a sunny region with very little snowfall didn’t make this a natural choice, I just knew it was something I needed to do. I set about researching and discovered a rigorous ski instructor course in Austria—a country renowned for its challenging training programs.

The course was everything I had imagined—and more. Surrounded by seasoned skiers, I was somewhat out of my depth. The training was exhausting and demanding, not only in terms of physical prowess but also mental resilience. Yet, ultimately, my passion got me through, and I passed the course and earned my qualification as a ski instructor. Having completed the training, I teach on the weekends at an indoor skiing rink in Israel. I don’t do this for the money, but for the happiness it brings me and impact to my wellbeing.

Skiing has taught me so much, on and off the slopes. For example, when taking part in the course, I had to push through fatigue and self-doubt; I take this resilience into the workplace. My role in commercial affairs is about building partnerships with hospitals all over Israel. Therefore, staying focused and motivated and embracing challenges is critical to excel in my role. My experience skiing and finding a way to follow my passion taught me how to seek solutions and trust in my ability.

Skiing has been a profound journey of growth, resilience, and joy. It has shaped the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for what I have learned from it.

Find out more:

• Teva colleagues share their top tips for wellbeing to nurture physical, mental, financial, and social needs.
• Meet Teva's top athletes, Mario Castro, Teva Mexico and Juanjo Perzez-Perruca, Teva EU
• Meet our recent graduates – read Jessica and Shachaf’s story.