From QB Two to the Olympics: The Story of Chris Bernard
Being a second-stringer can be a challenge.
While it can be a constant reminder to continue to stay the course and work harder than the next person, it is easier said than done.
For current Olympic athlete and Riverside City College track and field alumni Chris Bernard, it was not just talk, but action that ascended him into the Olympic ranks.
Bernard was not even a track and field athlete when stepping foot on the campus of RCC. It wasn't until head coach Jim McCarron convinced him to give the sport a try.
"I swear, he followed him into the bathroom that one day on purpose just to start the conversation," said Bernard with a giggle. McCarron provided a joyful smirk in return.
Whatever the eight-time state champion head coach said, it resonated.
Under the direction of head coaches Damien Smith and McCarron, Bernard hung up the pads and traded them in for spikes in 2009. He went on to be one of the most decorated RCC men's track and field athletes to grace Wheelock Stadium.
The results of his decision to alter courses can be seen in the RCC track and field record books.
To think a two-time individual state champion was slated as the backup quarterback is not entirely surprising. The football and track formula has proven to be effective not only in Bernard's case, but in former RCC football players Tyler Kennedy and Antonio Mitchell. Mitchell, who also went to Arizona State University, was a 2019 Individual State Champion as a sprinter.
Most student-athletes are pure athletes. But when you step on to the track, it is an entirely new ball game – literally.
"Initially, I was not aspiring to be much," said Bernard, who addressed the entire men's track & field team via Zoom earlier this week. "But if you see that you're good at something and you like doing it, why not put everything you have into it to get better?"
It was not an easy road for the current Olympian. Bad habits on and off the track delayed him from early greatness.
"Going into RCC, I was the same athlete, but still had the class clown mentality."
However, his failures made him stronger. He began to take advantage of multiple opportunities including extra workouts and class time that was meant to be a walk in the park. He transformed those walk in the park classes to applicable workouts, which quickly translated to success on the track.
In 2009, he became the strongest jumper in the state. After placing ninth in 2009 CCCAA State Championships, he rebounded the following year with a pair of impressive marks.
He earned a Triple Jump mark of 57' 4" and a Long Jump mark reading 26' 6.75", landing him atop of the podium and tabbing him a 2010 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Individual Track & Field Champion.
After his record-breaking marks, Bernard transferred to Arizona State University after being sought out by numerous Division I programs. He went on to become a three-time All-American and currently holds the Aztec record in Triple Jump and Long Jump.
He then ascended into the Olympic ranks in 2016. With COVID-19 impacting his current situation, he remains ready to tackle his next opportunity on the world's largest stage
"The experience of making the Olympic team was the best thing I have ever done."
Throughout the open discussion, numerous student-athletes expressed their struggles dealing with the pandemic shutdown. Bernard was no stranger to those expressed struggles.
"Having something taken away is an empty feeling," he said with a strong tone. However, he followed with words of affirmation and hope for the future.
"Be mindful on what is holding you back and take comfort in getting better. Don't be stagnant and continue to apply yourself more and more."