Evan Jager

Dear Track and Field,

Thanks for everything. You were all I ever wanted and more and you completely changed my world. 12 year old me couldn’t even dream up the world that 36 year old me lives in right now. You’ve been a part of my life for two thirds of my life and now it’s time to say goodbye.

Thank you for all the people you’ve put in my life along the way. All my teammates (HS, College and Professional) that pushed me and molded me to be a better athlete than I could have ever been on my own. Coaches (HS, College and Professional) that taught me, pushed me and guided me along the way. My support system including my agent Tom Ratcliffe and my sponsor for my entire career @nike, everyone on the Nike Sports Marketing team and everyone on Team Bowerman. So many good and helpful massage and physio therapists that helped keep me healthy and fix me. And most importantly, my wife, whom I met at the Junior World Championships in 2008 in Poland.

I have had a few pretty tough moments this fall when thinking about retiring from professional running. I’m thankful that I achieved close to everything I thought was possible as a young kid when I started getting really serious about the sport. I am very proud of everything I was able to accomplish in my career. Beyond the medals and PBs I was able to challenge myself, push myself and learn so many things about myself that will stay with me for the rest of my life. All the positives I take with me don’t make walking away any easier.

I am officially stepping away from professional running. I am so grateful for everything I gained from the sport and now it’s time for me to contribute in other ways. As one door closes, another opens. More on that to come…

See you on the other side,
Evan