My Story is My Story

A’nan Bridgett is having an astounding indoor season in 2022, adding to his extensive list of accomplishments in track and field. The junior has tied a school record in the 60-meter on three occasions, qualified for NCAA Indoor Championships in the long jump and is now a Big Ten Champion. 

Gaining these accolades did not come without adversity. Bridgett fought through multiple injuries last year in a season where COVID-19 added more complications to an already difficult year. 

Bridgett spent his summer working out with his dad to strengthen his body in preparation for the season and visualize what he wanted it to look like. 

“I came off a rough season because of COVID and a couple of injuries last year,” said Bridgett. “I trained in the summer with my dad and really got into what the season will look like. Got stronger, got faster and just built that base.”

Through this adversity, Bridgett maintained a strong mindset and trust in his faith. His competitiveness and disdain for losing pushed him during the offseason to come back stronger than ever.

“Well, I just don't like losing,” said Bridgett. “I'm an extremely competitive racer. I'm going to battle adversity time and time again to make sure I win and come out on top.”

Transitioning from preseason to the in-season competition, the biggest focus implemented by assistant coach Corey Crawford, Rutgers’ school record holder in the long jump, was the attention to detail in his technique and long jump specific drills that would help him improve.

“I think the biggest thing that we focused on with coach Corey was technique, drills that really lock in on specific aspects of my event,” said Bridgett.

Through his previous years on the track and field squad at Rutgers, Bridgett has learned that creating his own story is what is important to him. Rather than looking at other’s performances and comparing them to his own, he focused on himself and his craft.

“I think the biggest thing I learned is my story is my story,” said Bridgett. “My journey is not going to look like someone else’s. A lot of times I would get upset and really down on myself because I would compare my performance to other people’s [performance].”

So far this season, Bridgett has had his best season to date. He attributes this to listening to his coaches and trusting the process they have in place for the team. But Bridgett says it is just the beginning of what people will see from him and the rest of the squad. 

“I would describe the season as just getting started,” said Bridgett. “Being very patient and trusting in the process is one big thing that the coaches keep trying to stress to us.” 

Alongside Bridgett’s performances, Rutgers track and field is having a stellar year. The Scarlet Knights have set nine school records, multiple personal best performances and various event wins this season. 

Bridgett attributes the team’s success to the culture set by the coaches, starting with director of track & field and cross country Bobby Farrell, to get better every day and to push themselves each practice. This locked in mindset has set a standard amongst the team to continue to improve.

“Definitely the support of Rutgers, the support through the team. We have a very good team dynamic,” said Bridgett. “My roommate Sincere [Robinson] came in with a locked in mindset and a lot of people started adapting to that similar mindset.” 

All of Bridgett’s battle and journey through adversity has paid off. Bridgett has tallied five event wins in the long jump, including his Big Ten Championship in the event. Those successes this indoor season will culminate for him this weekend when he makes his first appearance at the NCAA Indoor Championships.   

As someone who specializes in jumps, Bridgett also enjoys mixing it up with sprints. Bridgett said coach Farrell always saw him as a sprinter.

“It feels great being able to do more than one event,” said Bridgett. “I get bored at meets just doing one so being able to dip my toes into sprints is always fun.”

On Feb. 25, Bridgett captured gold in the long jump at the Big Ten Championships with a jump of 7.86m (25' 9.5"). Bridgett earned a bronze and silver medal at the Big Ten Championships in previous seasons and was able to finish the collection by adding gold this season. 

“It still hasn’t hit me yet,” said Bridgett. “It feels somewhat crazy though seeing where I was in the past. It kind of feels surreal. I’m extremely appreciative.”

Bridgett, an NCAA qualifier in the outdoor, has not placed in the long jump at the event in his collegiate career. With the NCAA Championship coming up, Bridgett has high aspirations going into the event. He hopes to bring back gold for Rutgers and the State of New Jersey. He also hopes to have his teammate and roommate, freshman Sincere Robinson on the podium with him.

“Go out there execute. Hopefully bring a chip back to Jersey,” said Bridgett. “Sincere, my roommate, we’re going out there to trying to go one and two.”

Looking back on his previous seasons, Bridgett wants to put his all into this season and not feel like he did not put his maximum effort into everything he did. 

“I am grateful for every opportunity,” said Bridgett. “Working hard each and every practice, and treating it like it was my last. A lot of times I probably didn't put my all into everything and I feel like this year that definitely has changed.”