There’s a unique joy in watching an athlete with whom you have a personal connection. Every moment is charged with extra emotion because it’s not just about a being a fan – it tips into being a shared emotional experience. You cheer a little louder (or maybe a LOT louder) and feel every loss a bit deeper. In the three-ring circus of a track & field meet you may be laser focused on things that most of the stadium barely notices.
All of this happened in Eugene at the Olympic Trials as our group of Bucknell alumni and alumni adjacent spectators in Section 123 vigorously cheered for Evie Bliss in the women’s javelin. Just a 19 year old frosh at Bucknell, Evie delivered a PR throw to finish sixth. She admitted to fangirl feelings while she competed next to Kara Winger!
Yesterday our Bucknell track team alumni text thread lit up with additional Evie joy. Evie experienced the one Olympic Trials feature she missed out on. The American flag got draped around her shoulders as she earned a bronze medal at the “Under 20” World Championships in Peru. Wow.
That’s one hell of a special summer break between her frosh and soph years! I imagine it’ll be a bit of an adjustment for Evie as she arrives on campus to refocus on her Honor Roll Biology studies.
Nice article, Jack. It was great to enjoy the trials and cheer for Evie together! She is an impressive young lady!
Way to go Evie – ‘ray Bucknell!!
Evie has a bright future ahead. My vocal cords are still recovering from cheering her on in Eugene with fellow Bison alums and friends!