Aja Evans facts for kids
Evans in March 2017
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||
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| Born | May 12, 1988 Chicago, Illinois, US |
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| Residence | Homewood, Illinois, US | |||||||||||||
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) | |||||||||||||
| Weight | 170 pounds (77 kg) | |||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||
| Sport | Bobsleigh | |||||||||||||
| College team | University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign |
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Medal record
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Aja L. Evans, born on May 12, 1988, is an American Olympic athlete. She is famous as a bobsledder, competing in the two-woman event. In bobsledding, she plays the role of a "brakeman." Before becoming a bobsledder, Aja was a star in track and field. In high school, she was a city champion in sprints and shot put. In college, she continued to excel, becoming a champion in shot put.
Contents
Aja Evans' Sports Journey
Early Life and High School Sports
Aja Evans grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She started her track and field training at Morgan Park High School. There, she became a city champion in both sprinting and shot put.
College Achievements
After high school, Aja first attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She then transferred to the University of Illinois. At the University of Illinois, she became a very successful shot putter. She set college records and was named an All-American five times. She also won the Big Ten Championship three times.
Switch to Bobsledding
After graduating from college, Aja began a new sport: bobsledding. She quickly became a key part of the team as a brakeman. A brakeman helps to slow down the bobsled at the end of the race.
World Cup Success
During the 2012–2013 World Cup season, Aja worked with drivers like Jamie Greubel, Elana Meyers, and Jazmine Fenlator.
- She earned a bronze medal in Igls, Austria.
- She also won a silver medal at the Sochi track.
In the 2013–2014 World Cup season, her success continued.
- She won a silver medal in Calgary, Canada.
- She earned a gold medal in Park City, Utah.
Olympic Debut
Aja Evans was chosen to be part of the U.S. Olympic bobsled team. This was for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. On February 19, 2014, Aja and her teammate Jamie Greubel won the bronze medal. This was a huge achievement for them and for the United States.
A Family of Athletes
Aja Evans comes from a family where sports run deep. Many of her family members are also successful athletes.
- Her father, Fred, was a pioneer in swimming. He became the first Black national collegiate champion in swimming for Chicago State.
- Her brother, also named Fred, played professional football. He was a defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Her uncle is Gary Matthews, a retired professional baseball player. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball.
- Her cousin is Gary Matthews, Jr., who also played professional baseball.
Aja is very proud of her roots. She once said, "I’m a product of Chicago. Showing people that this black girl from Chicago came to the Winter Olympic sport and really did some amazing things, and it was all because I had that will to win and it was my dream."
See also
In Spanish: Aja Evans para niños
