Evan Bichon, a 27-year-old snowboarder from Mackenzie, British Columbia, faced immense challenges both on and off the slopes as he competed in the Olympic snowboard cross event in Livigno. The athlete, who had recently lost his mother to cancer, demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Bichon’s journey to the Milan Cortina Games has been marked by personal tragedy and a determination to honour his mother’s memory.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Trish Bichon, Evan’s mother, passed away from colon cancer at the age of 63 just months before the Games. While Evan was abroad in Austria at a training camp, preparing for the World Cup season, he received the devastating news. Trish had bravely battled Stage 3 colon cancer, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, but her condition took a sudden turn for the worse. “It unfortunately was fairly sudden,” Evan reflected, struggling to hold back his emotions. “She was doing very well up until that point with everything. She was positive. She was planning to come to Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec in March to watch the final World Cup because she wasn’t able to make it here during chemo treatment.”
Evan’s close relationship with his mother was evident, as she had unwavering faith in his potential to reach the Olympics. Upon learning of her passing, he returned to North Vancouver to grieve and organise the necessary arrangements, supported by his father and friends during this challenging time.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the emotional turmoil, Evan managed to refocus on his training. “I went home for three weeks and did the best I could to be able to go back to Italy for the first World Cup stop of the season,” he explained. His father’s support was crucial; he travelled from Mackenzie to help Evan with the logistics of the funeral and offer emotional support. With the help of family and friends, Evan was able to navigate this challenging period and return to the sport he loves.
After a series of competitions in Europe, including a 41st place finish in Cervinia, Italy, and subsequent races in China, Evan received the news that he had qualified for his Olympic debut. “There was a lot going on with the uncertainty of not knowing if I was going or not,” he recalled. “As well as just trying to come back to sport the best I could.”
A Challenging Competition
At the Livigno Snow Park, Evan faced yet another hurdle when a binding on his snowboard broke just as he was set to compete in the quarter-finals. With limited time to make repairs, he had to switch to an entirely different board. “I did the best I could to put myself in there,” he said after finishing third in his heat, which did not advance him to the next round. “It’s a run to be proud of, even with a couple of setbacks with the equipment.”
His experience at the Games was bittersweet. “I’m very much competing for someone special,” he said, dedicating his performance to his mother. “I always carry my mom with me into every race. She was my biggest fan — more so here than ever. It’s a really special day for me to be able to compete here.”
Why it Matters
Evan Bichon’s story is one of profound resilience and the power of familial love. His ability to channel personal loss into motivation not only highlights the emotional complexities faced by athletes but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and support systems in sports. As he competes with his mother’s spirit by his side, Evan embodies the strength and determination that inspire countless others dealing with their own challenges. His journey underscores the profound impact that personal struggles can have on athletes, revealing a deeper narrative that resonates far beyond the competition itself.
