Olympian Bobsledder Talks Perseverance with Lake Forest Country Day School Students

United States Olympian and bronze medal winning bobsledder Aja Evans visited Lake Forest Country Day School on Tuesday to talk to students about success, perseverance and learning from mistakes. Head of School Bob Whelan conducted an interview with Aja in front of the LFCDS students, who received a welcome surprise upon returning from Spring Break. Following the interview, students were able to ask Aja questions and hold her bronze medal.

A native of Chicago, Evans comes from what she explained modestly as an “athletic family.” Her father, Fred, became the first African American national collegiate champion in swimming at Chicago State. Aja’s brother, also named Fred, currently plays defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. Her uncle is retired Major League Baseball outfielder Gary Matthews and her cousin is current baseball player Gary Matthews, Jr.

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Evans touched on how she has faced adversity and where she found the courage to persevere and accomplish what she has accomplished so far in her young career. Citing her family as her saving grace, she mentioned how she uses her family as a constant support network and that they were “always there.” She also talked about her tough and unlikely transition from track and field to bobsledding.

“I found myself behind a lot of the other girls in terms of practice and understanding,” stated Evans in regards to bobsledding. She said tough work, discipline and a competitive drive is what contributes to her success.

Once LFCDS students finished asking questions, Evans took a video selfie of herself with the students and teachers and posted to her Instagram and Twitter with the caption, “Started my morning w/ @LFCountryDay students!!! Thanks again for having me!!!”

Photo captions:

Grade 4 student Kaiden Britton holds the bronze medal

Grade 7 students pose with Aja

Grade 4 student Liam Stewart poses with Aja

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