Olympic cyclist Emma White '19 coming “Back to U” Sept. 19

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Emma White '19

Emma White '19

When President David Harris invited the Union community to join him Sept. 19 for “Back to U” – a bike ride, run and walk to kick off the new academic year – one of the first to respond was Olympic cyclist Emma White ’19.

White won a bronze medal in track pursuit at the Tokyo games. In 2020, just weeks before the pandemic, she was on the team that won a World Cup championship in an event that requires explosive power, precision and strategy.

The Duanesburg, N.Y. native graduated Union as an interdepartmental major in computer science/science, medicine and technology. In 2018, while juggling her classes at Union with a hectic global racing schedule, she became the first Under 23 American woman to capture all three road cycling disciplines in the same year – time trial, criterium and road race.

After a post-Olympic month of rest, White is poised to rejoin Rally Cycling, her professional team.

“Back to U” is set for Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 with the bike ride, run and walk starting at 8:45, 9:15 and 9:30 a.m., respectively, from the Nott Memorial. The event will end with refreshments outside the President’s House at 10 a.m.

President Harris, announcing the event, said, “I’m sure that many of you, like me, have found that outdoor activities have been invigorating, especially during the pandemic. I’m pleased that Emma can join us this year for what I hope will become an annual event.”

All members of the Union community are welcome, regardless of experience.

The schedule – all activities start at the Nott Memorial

  • 8:45 a.m. – A 12-mile bike ride from campus along the Mohawk River.
  • 9:15 a.m. – A 5K campus run.
  • 9:30 a.m. – A walk around the campus perimeter.
  • 10 a.m. – Refreshments, games and music outside the President’s House

To RSVP (not required), please use this Google form.