To look at 16-year-old track star, Evan Boykin, you would never know that he struggles with severe, and often debilitating, asthma. This charismatic teen has an amazing work ethic and diligently practices his sport because he has his eyes on the prize… he wants to run in the 2028 Olympics!
Since Evan was a young boy, he has struggled with chronic breathing issues. He was continually at the pediatrician. His twin brother, Aron, was always involved in sports and Evan has a desire to compete as well. His parents were worried and hesitated, but finally relented. It was during his first football game, after running for a touchdown, that Evan’s asthma seemed to take a turn for the worse. He couldn’t breathe and the paramedics had to transport him to the hospital to be stabilized.
It was after that incident that Evan was referred to an amazing pulmonologist who was able to treat Evan’s severe asthma effectively. Besides going everywhere with an inhaler, nebulizer, and a specific medicine, Evan must visit his doctor every other week for treatment via injection, and his breathing is monitored daily.
He’s defied the odds and resumed playing football, and discovered his love for running… FAST. Currently, Evan runs the 100 and 200-meter dash for the Charlotte (NC) Heat Track Club and he consistently finishes 1st or 2nd in every event he runs! This young man looks up to professional track and field athlete, Christian Coleman, as both Evan and Christian have persevered through running track while living with asthma. Evan would love to meet and train with Christian Coleman, who also competes in the 100 and 200-meter dash, to ensure he is on the right track to be Olympic-bound in 2028!
