EVAN DUNFEE - CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK AND FIELD (2008-12)

Degree & Year: BKIN 2014
Current Profession: Professional Athlete (Race Walk), Olympian and Speaker
LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/evandunfee
Instagram: @evandunfee; Website: www.dunfeewalks.com/about
 

Q&A WITH EVAN:

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
I started training with UBC XC when I was in Grade 11 after I was left without a coach and by the time Grade 12 came along I never even thought about there being another option. Race walking is only contested at NAIA so my options were limited. The hardest part was getting my grades up enough to get in. But luckily once I got into UBC, my education became a bit more inspired and I was able to thrive academically.

Favorite T-Bird memory:
Hanging out with my teammates at NAIA championships was always a highlight. Breaking the NAIA record in Marion, Ind., was a personal highlight for me. Another highlight was definitely cheering on teammate Inaki Gomez in the 20km race walk at the London Olympics along the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace with several UBC students and alumni (and a few SFUers).

What was your first job after graduation?
I've been pursuing the Olympic dream since I graduated so I haven't really had a proper job yet. I work part time at the Olympic Oval in Richmond as well as volunteering with KidSport and trying to be as active as I can be in Richmond and Vancouver to promote sport and active living.

What advice do you have for current student-athletes?
I knew throughout my time that I wanted to continue competing beyond university and sometimes I let my mind wander too far down the road rather than living in the moment and enjoying the experience. The teammates you have now will be some of your closest friends for the rest of your life, so just take the time now and then to appreciate the moment.  

What's the best advice you can give to a student or recent alumni to help plan a career?
I should probably be asking that question! I'm currently delaying real life as long as possible by continuing to pursue the Athlete life.

How and where do you find inspiration?
My goal is to win an Olympic medal and that is what drives me every day. And the moment that that simple goal no longer inspires me, I'll move on towards new goals.

Anything particular insights during this quarantine?
I think everything that could be said has been said at this point. I think people have adjusted. It's been tough as someone who lives on my own. But I've just been embracing the days when I don't feel like doing anything and telling myself those days are okay and not get down on myself. And the days that Im feeling extra productive I try to take advantage of it. I've been falling back heavily on training as it is a nice constant in my life that doesn't require too much thought, put shoes on and get out the door.

What are your go-to songs and podcasts?
Listen to a lot of podcasts while I train. Go-to ones are definitely The Dollop and No Such Thing As A Fish.

What question do you wish we had asked you?
Favourite donut - I'm a long john from IGA kind of guy. Nothing fancy but hits the spot every time.  

How can other alumni/student-athletes connect with you?
All the social medias - @evandunfee