Commonwealth Games: Neah Evans eyes glory after 2014 inspiration
Neah Evans said it would be “incredible” to win gold at the Glasgow Federal Games next year as she is “part of the legacy” of the city’s 2014 event.
The 34-year-old two-time Olympic silver medalist enjoyed a glittering career on the bike lane, winning a large number of major medals at the world, Europe and the Commonwealth level.
She claimed the silver medal in Tokyo in 2020 as part of the women’s team hunt, and won the same medal with Elinor Barker four years later on the woman’s Madison.
Evans didn’t play the sport full-time until 2017, but said three years ago that what happened in Glasgow was crucial to her journey.
“When we get a major championship, a lot of things are tied up like legacy and inspiring others, and I always find them a little like buzzwords,” she explained.
“But in reality, if I didn’t go to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, I would never be on the track.
“They built Sir Chris Hoy’s racing track, and that’s where I first did the track certification – I had a tasting session.
“When I went, I wasn’t a biker. I’ve never rode a fixed bike, I’ve never had a clamp pedal, I’ve never entered a racing car. So I’m part of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“It’s absolutely incredible to win the gold medal after 12 years of going back to the game. I know it will be difficult, and the competition for track and field is very fierce, but it’s a major goal for me next season.”
