Olympic Gold medalist and decathlon world record holder Ashton Eaton is best known for his athletic aptitude and record smashing speed on the international track and field stage. In his hometown of Bend, Oregon, Eaton is also known as a man of exceptional character and an inspiration to young student athletes and adults alike.
On Wednesday, May 13 at 4:35 p.m., during a break between races at the Oregon Intermountain Conference championship track meet, Eaton will be honored for his contributions to his alma mater, Mountain View High School (MVHS) and to the communities of Bend, La Pine and Sunriver, Oregon, when the school's track will be named Ashton Eaton Track.
"Ashton Eaton represented MVHS and the entire district as an exemplary athlete and citizen while a student in our schools," said Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Ron Wilkinson. "I believe naming the track — that he ran his first high school races on so many years ago — in his honor is an appropriate way of recognizing one of our great graduates."
During the naming ceremony, Eaton, and his mother Roz Eaton, will address the student athletes and community members in attendance and unveil a 140-square-foot replica of his signature on the school's track lanes. Following the unveiling, Eaton will take the honorary first lap along with several local elementary and middle school students.
"I'm the Ashton Eaton everyone knows today because of the Central Oregon community support I received as a young person," Eaton said. "I found what I love on that 400-meter oval and I am forever grateful for the unnamed many who made that possible."
The aging, cracked 400-meter oval that Eaton set high school records on has recently been modernized and reconfigured to improve usability and safety for students. The track being unveiled on May 13 boasts a Benyon surface, the same product that Eaton set a World Record at the U.S. Olympic Trials on at the Hayward Field in 2012.
Ashton hopes that his journey and successes will inspire others to follow their dreams.
"Every day in Central Oregon there are people supporting kids who have aspirations in various passions. Consider joining their ranks," he says. "They are the true path-makers. And I am so thankful for each and every one of them."
For more information, contact:
Contacts: Julianne Repman, Communication Director, Bend-La Pine Schools, 541.355.1010
Alandra Johnson, Communication Specialist, Bend-La Pine Schools, 541.355.1005
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