Neah Evans says it was not until 2018 that she finally saw herself as a world-class cyclist Neah Evans wanted to be a showjumper, but an injury to her horse prevented her riding. So she took up fell running instead, only for anaemia to curtail that. In her early 20s, feeling gloomy and losing her love for sport, the veterinary student grudgingly accepted dad Malcolm's surprise booking of a 'give it a go' cycling session at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Evans, who had cycled as a child, had never been on a bike without brakes. She'd never used clip-in pedals. She'd never even been inside a velodrome. But with Glasgow 2014 looming and the track - built for the event - open to the public, she found herself making a decision that would change her life. "I almost just went to appease my dad, but it was a sliding doors moment because I absolutely loved it and everything just snowballed," she tells BBC Sport Scotland. And how. Evans is speaking in that same velodrome 11 years later as the owner of world and European golds, as well as silvers from two separate Olympics and four Commonwealth Games medals. On the track beside her, members of the public can still borrow a bike and helmet and have a go just like she did. And one day they might even end up like her. "If it wasn't for Glasgow 2014, and this place hadn't been built, I wouldn't be a cyclist," says Evans, who confesses that her "lively" student lifestyle took precedence over attending any events at those Games. "When people talk about legacy and those buzzwords, I normally kind of go, 'oh yeah, does it actually work?'. But I'm living proof that it could change your life." Not that it happened immediately for Evans, who still readily describes herself as "an accidental athlete". Cycling remained a hobby while she qualified and worked as a vet. And it was only a year before the Gold Coast Games of 2018 that she became a full-time athlete. She went to Australia as part of Team Scotland expecting to discover she wasn't good enough to be a professional and destined for a life working with animals. But Evans won silver and bronze and suddenly a whole new career opened up in front of her. "I was like 'huh, I'm quite good at this'," she recalls. "It was a turning point. That's why the Commonwealth Games are really special for me because I can pinpoint that as when I transitioned from being a vet who did a bit of cycling to seeing myself as a cyclist." With all that in mind, the Games returning to Glasgow next summer will mark a particular high point for Evans. In the wake of a second successful Olympics, the 34-year-old's focus has switched to road racing for this season. It has not gone well, with a succession of calamities befalling her, but she will be back on the boards next year. Having competed - and won - at the Worlds in Glasgow in 2023, she knows what the sights, sounds and smells of the event will be and is using those memories to propel her through her ongoing struggles. "When you're faced with a four-hour bike ride in the rain and don't really fancy it, you think, 'come on, the Games are coming up' and that keeps you going," she says. "It's still at the dream stage just now - standing on the top step hearing the anthem - but you know the work you do now is going to have an impact."
'Living legacy' Evans dreaming of Glasgow Games
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Neah Evans Reflects on Her Journey to Cycling Success Ahead of Glasgow Commonwealth Games"
Bbc News
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Neah Evans, a prominent cyclist, reflects on her unexpected journey to becoming a world-class athlete, a path that began in 2018 when she finally recognized her potential in cycling. Initially aspiring to be a showjumper, her dreams were derailed by an injury to her horse. This setback led her to fell running, which was also cut short due to anaemia. In her early twenties, feeling disheartened and detached from sports, she reluctantly participated in a cycling session at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, a decision influenced by her father. Despite her lack of experience with track cycling, the session ignited a passion within her, marking a pivotal moment in her life. Evans asserts that if it weren't for the construction of the velodrome in Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, she may never have discovered her talent for cycling. Her initial participation was casual, as she was still focused on her veterinary studies, but this soon evolved into a serious athletic pursuit after she won medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, which transformed her identity from a vet to a professional cyclist.
As Evans prepares for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, she reflects on the significance of the event in her life. Having recently competed and won at the World Championships in Glasgow, she draws motivation from the memories of that experience as she navigates a challenging season in road racing. Despite facing a series of setbacks, Evans remains committed to her training, using the anticipation of the Games to fuel her perseverance. She acknowledges that while the dream of standing atop the podium and hearing the national anthem feels distant, the effort she invests now will ultimately shape her future. Evans embodies the legacy of the Glasgow Games, demonstrating how access to sporting facilities and opportunities can change lives, as she continues to inspire others who may follow in her footsteps.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Neah Evans' journey from a casual cyclist to a world-class athlete, emphasizing the impact of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on her life. It serves to inspire and showcase how opportunities in sports can alter life trajectories, especially for those who may not initially see themselves as athletes.
Purpose of the Article
The narrative aims to promote the positive legacy of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, illustrating how sporting events can foster new talent and encourage participation in athletics. By sharing Evans' story, the article seeks to motivate others to engage in sports and highlight the long-term benefits that such events can have on individuals and communities.
Community Perception
The article cultivates an image of hope and possibility within the community, suggesting that anyone can achieve greatness with the right opportunities and support. It also aims to foster a sense of pride among local residents regarding the facilities and events that have been established in Glasgow.
Omissions and Hidden Aspects
There may be an undercurrent of promoting sports at the expense of addressing broader issues such as accessibility and support for athletes from diverse backgrounds. While Evans' story is inspiring, it does not delve into the systemic barriers that many aspiring athletes face, which could provide a more balanced perspective.
Manipulative Nature of the Article
The article does not appear overtly manipulative; however, it does utilize emotional storytelling to evoke feelings of inspiration and positivity. The language employed is motivational, focusing on personal triumph, which could lead readers to overlook the challenges faced by other athletes who do not share similar success stories.
Truthfulness of the Content
The content seems credible, as it is rooted in Evans' personal experiences and achievements, which can be verified through sports records. However, the narrative's positive framing may overlook the complexities of becoming an athlete, potentially leading to a skewed perception of the journey.
Broader Implications
This article could inspire increased participation in cycling and sports in general, potentially leading to greater investment in community sports programs. Economically, a rise in sports engagement may benefit local businesses and health sectors, while politically, it could prompt discussions around funding for public sports initiatives.
Target Audience
The piece appears to target sports enthusiasts, young athletes, and the general public interested in inspirational stories. By appealing to individuals’ aspirations, it seeks to engage a broad audience with varying levels of interest in cycling or sports.
Market Impact
While the direct impact on stock markets or global economies may be minimal, the promotion of cycling and sports can influence industries related to sports equipment, health, and wellness. Brands associated with cycling may gain visibility, benefiting from increased interest in the sport.
Global Power Dynamics
The article does not directly relate to global power dynamics; however, it underscores the importance of local sporting events in fostering community pride and identity. This can contribute to a sense of unity and empowerment within the community.
Use of AI in Writing
The article’s style suggests that it may have been influenced by AI in structuring the narrative for clarity and engagement. AI models could have been utilized to optimize the storytelling aspects, ensuring that the emotional tone resonates with readers effectively.
Conclusion on Reliability
While the article is largely truthful and inspirational, it selectively presents information that may gloss over the broader challenges faced by athletes. This could lead to an overly optimistic view of sports participation and its accessibility. Therefore, while it serves an inspiring purpose, readers should approach it with a critical mindset regarding its completeness.