Meet Michel Knaff

This summer, we watched the Olympic Games in awe, captivated by the strength, competition, and incredible performances of the athletes. But behind every spectacular Olympic event is a team of dedicated volunteers making it all possible. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with one such volunteer, our alumnus Michel Knaff from the class of 2018. He’ll share with us not only how the unforgettable summer Olympics unfolded from behind the scenes, but also how this kind of experience can impact the life of a young adult. We also had the chance to discuss his career aspirations and how this journey has influenced his future plans.

Before we start, thank you, Michel, for accepting this interview and sharing your story with us. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what you've been doing since leaving ISL?

Certainly! After graduating from ISL in 2018, I moved to Switzerland to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering at EPFL in Lausanne. After completing my bachelor's, COVID hit, and I felt the need for a change of scenery. Zurich seemed like the perfect choice since it’s nearby, and the university system is similar to EPFL’s. So, in 2021, I moved to Zurich to pursue a master's in Energy Science and Technology, also an engineering program. I just finished my master’s in May, and since then, I’ve been taking a few months off. It’s been nonstop studying since I left ISL, so I’m taking a bit of a gap until the end of this year.

You had an exciting summer supporting Team Letzebuerg at the Paris Olympics. What inspired you to volunteer for this role, and how did you secure the position? Have you always had an interest in sports, either during your time at ISL or afterwards? And how did this experience ultimately unfold for you?

I'm a huge sports fan. If I hadn’t pursued engineering, I would have definitely studied something related to sports. About two years ago, I saw a post from the Luxembourgish Delegation on social media looking for a volunteer for the Olympics. The timing was perfect since I was finishing my master’s and had the summer off. I applied with a motivation letter, went through an interview, and by December 2022, they confirmed I’d be joining them.

It was a long wait, but I was really excited. There was a lot of preparation involved, including a team-building retreat in Luxembourg last November and another in Paris this April. By the time the Olympics arrived, I felt fully integrated into the team. Spending five weeks in Paris over the summer was an incredible experience.

What was your role with the team, and what were your key responsibilities during the Olympics?

I was one of 45,000 volunteers helping to make the Olympics run smoothly. However, instead of being assigned by the IOC, I was specifically nominated by the Luxembourgish delegation to support their team. My role was to assist the entire delegation with whatever they needed. I worked closely with the Chef de Mission, who oversaw the delegation, but I was available to help anyone—from athletes and coaches to the medical staff.

I was based in the Olympic Village, where I helped welcome new arrivals, guided them through security and accreditation, and showed them around the village, including important spots like the cafeteria and laundry. I also drove around Paris when necessary, whether it was to transport people or pick up supplies. Whenever possible, I attended competitions to support Luxembourg’s athletes and experience other events as well.

We know about your experience as the president of the ISL Business Club. Were there any other clubs, sports, or volunteering activities you were involved in at ISL that you believe helped prepare you for this adventure?

Yes, I was involved in a lot at ISL, especially sports. I played basketball, did some cross-country, and participated in football. Of course, I was also active in the Business Club, which was a really valuable experience where I learned important skills, like how to work with others effectively.

In addition to sports and the Business Club, I was involved in Mérite Jeunesse at all three levels. Being active in these team activities taught me a lot about flexibility and working with different people, which was crucial in my role with the Luxembourgish delegation at the Olympics. My job there was to be adaptable and help everyone with whatever they needed.

What was the most spectacular moment of this entire experience for you?

One memorable moment was when Frank Schleck, one of Luxembourg’s best cyclists and a Tour de France podium finisher, walked into the office and asked me to join him on a mission. We ended up driving through Paris together—experiences like that were super unique and rewarding.

There were so many unique moments, but one that stands out is being in the Olympic Village, constantly surrounded by the world’s best athletes. It’s surreal to bump into people you’ve seen on TV, like when I was biking through the village and suddenly found myself face-to-face with Andy Murray. Another time, I was sitting in the cafeteria near Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. Being in such close proximity to these incredible athletes was truly amazing.

Did you face any challenges or obstacles during your time at the Olympics?

The biggest challenge was the intensity and duration of the event. The days start very early, as athletes need to get to their practices or competitions, so you have to be ready to help from morning until late at night. Even during free time, you don’t really rest—you’re either watching events or exploring Paris. By the end, you start to feel the exhaustion from weeks of nonstop activity. It was incredibly fun, and I didn’t want it to end, but physically, it definitely takes a toll.

How has this experience impacted you personally and professionally?

As a child, I dreamed of being involved in the Olympics. I think as a child, if you're doing sports, you want to compete at the Olympics. Then there comes a point where maybe you realize it's not going to happen. (laughs) I still had this dream of contributing in some way. Being able to work with the Luxembourgish delegation in Paris was a dream come true. I had the chance to interact with all 13 athletes, attend their dinners, and witness their competitions up close, which was incredibly unique and fulfilling.

As a big sports fan, this experience has also influenced my career aspirations. Now, as I look for a job, I’m motivated to find a role that combines my engineering background with my passion for sports. I’m exploring opportunities that align with both my academic qualifications and my love for the Olympic Games, with the goal of finding the right fit by January.

Is there anything else you'd like to share? Any words of wisdom for our ISL students who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

I definitely recommend getting involved in opportunities like this, especially in sports. There are so many international events, not just the Olympics, where volunteers are needed. It’s a fantastic way to meet people from around the world and gain unique experiences. Growing up in Luxembourg is a big advantage because there’s less competition for these roles compared to larger countries. Students at ISL should take advantage of the opportunities available in the community. Don’t be afraid to explore what’s out there—your language skills and background give you a real edge. Even if you don’t speak Luxembourgish, there are still plenty of valuable opportunities where other languages are more important. So, keep an eye out and don’t let anything hold you back.

Thank you again, Michel, for sharing your insights with us, and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect fit for your career.