At Gallaudet, Sevan discovered a space where he could thrive as both a student and an athlete. He embraced leadership roles, strengthened his athletic skills, and explored every opportunity that came his way. His success at the World Deaf Athletics Championship proved the power of his commitment. Now he’s taking that strength to Tokyo for the Deaflympics. His story is unfolding one stride at a time!

Video Description: Sevan Ikeda wears a track uniform: a sleeveless tank top with “Gallaudet” in blue printed across the chest and dark blue track shorts. He has short blonde hair and wears a thin gold necklace. The reel opens with Sevan running on the track. The reel transitions to Sevan explaining how he became passionate about running. The Gallaudet track and field stadium is visible behind him. Centered text appears identifying him and his year (Sevan Ikeda — First Year).

Throughout the video, B-roll footage is folded in: Sevan attending classes on campus, interacting with professors, attending campus events, debating, and competing at the World Deaf Athletics Championships. Sevan describes how Gallaudet opened up opportunities for him, including the chance to compete at the Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, this year.

Transcript: People often ask me why I love running. It all started with one mile Fridays at school. Warren was impressed when he saw me run and reached out to my parents. From there, I joined a club and continued polishing my skills.

However, I faced significant barriers. It was challenging communicating with hearing teammates as the only deaf person.

Entering Gallaudet was a revelation. Immersion in the deaf community. Being surrounded by deaf peers and having a wide range of resources at my disposal. I didn’t come to Gallaudet just to run. I came for the organizations, clubs, and programs. I went to the youth summer programs before coming here as a student. Now I’m on the Business Student Council, the debate team, and the list goes on. The endless choices are truly inspiring and give me numerous opportunities to mingle.

Throughout it all, I’ve continued to run. Last year, I competed at the World Deaf Athletic Championships and placed fourth and second, respectively in two events. Now I’m competing in the Deaf Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Huge thanks to Gallaudet for supporting my journey as a student athlete and making it possible for me to go to Japan to compete.

Running has always helped me develop discipline, persistence, and focus, that I apply to all areas in life, such as academics and extracurriculars. As I continue to improve as runner, it teaches me balance in my life.