Aja Evans facts for kids
Evans in March 2017
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| Born | May 12, 1988 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 170 lb | |||||||||||||||||||
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| 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 May 12, 1988) is an American bobsledder. She is an Olympic medalist who competes as a brakeman in the two-woman bobsled event. In high school, she was a top athlete in track and field, winning city championships in sprints and shot put. She continued her success in college, becoming an All-American and a Big Ten Champion in shot put.
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Aja's Journey in Sports
Aja Evans started her sports career in track and field. She trained at Morgan Park High School in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, she attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Later, she transferred to the University of Illinois. At the University of Illinois, Aja became a record-setting athlete. She was a five-time All-American and a three-time Big Ten Champion in shot put.
Becoming a Bobsledder
After finishing college, Aja Evans began competing in bobsledding. She became a brakeman, which is a key role in a bobsled team. As a brakeman, she helped control the sled's speed and stability.
During the 2012–2013 World Cup season, Aja worked with drivers 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 Russia. In the 2013–2014 World Cup season, she continued her success. She won a silver medal in Calgary, Canada, and a gold medal in Park City, USA.
Olympic Success
Aja Evans was chosen for the U.S. Olympic bobsled team on January 19, 2014. She competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia. On February 19, 2014, Aja Evans and her teammate Jamie Greubel won the bronze medal. This was a big achievement for the two-woman bobsled team.
A Family of Athletes
Aja Evans comes from a family where sports are very important. Many of her family members are also successful athletes.
- Her father, Fred, was a swimmer. He made history by becoming 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, Gary Matthews, was a retired player in Major League Baseball.
- Her cousin, Gary Matthews, Jr., also played professional baseball.
Aja is very proud of her Chicago 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
