Bridget Franek is always looking for the next challenge.

An accomplished high school middle distance runner, Franek decided to add jumping over 35 hurdles, including seven that involve trying to avoid landing in a shallow pool of water, all while running 3,000 meters, to her agenda. 

“I became a steeplechaser at Penn State because I felt it was more of an ‘athletic test’ than simply running around a track,” said Franek, who was recruited to Happy Valley as a miler. “It takes more coordination, an ability to adjust to the rhythm of deceleration and acceleration coming in and out of the hurdles and more. My coach wasn’t thrilled by the choice, but it ended up working out.”

That is an understatement. Franek qualified for the 2009 World Championships — and that was merely a prelude to her making the USA Olympic team for London 2012.

“Walking into the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremonies was surreal; I can only describe it as a sense of awe,” Franek recalled. “My goal was to make the Olympic steeplechase final. I knew it would be a stretch because I would have to run close to my personal best to do so but I was willing to risk not running well in the final for the sake of getting there. Even though I finished last in the final, I was proud that I accomplished my goal.” 

Franek is bringing her tenacity to a different challenge: Using her platform to make a positive impact on the environment, including on the climate fight.

“Growing up in Northeast Ohio, my whole life was outside,” shared Franek. “My family went on outdoor, active vacations from as far back as I can remember. It breaks my heart to think that future generations will not have these memories if we don’t change our ways. This deeply engrained sentiment drew me to take sustainable business classes throughout my MBA program at the University of Oregon.”

It was there that Franek met Shelley Villalobos, executive director of the Council for Responsible Sport, which helps sports event executives measure and manage their social and environmental impacts.

“I’m grateful to Shelley and the Council for inviting me to come on as a Board Member and get involved in this important organization,” Franek reflected. “This experience is allowing me to give back to my community and world on a global level, learning more about the intersection of sports, sustainable business and planetary health. I love the idea of being able to balance the time and energy I spend on this macro level with my other interest and passion of helping individuals heal through massage therapy. The macro informs the micro and vice versa.

She sees becoming an EcoAthletes Champion as another way to make a macro impact on climate.

“I was excited to that the Champions athletes’ network is truly global,” acknowledged Franek. “This way, I can learn what is going on around environmental conversations and climate action around the world and bring it home to the U.S. to help us improve.”

To EcoAthletes founder Lew Blaustein, “Bridget Franek brings a valuable combination of ‘climate curiosity’ and ‘climate awareness’ to our Champions network. We look forward to working with her to overcome the hurdles that stand in the way of a #ClimateComeback.”

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