Track and field athlete Lizzie Bird is setting a new standard for balancing elite sports and academic aspirations. Representing Great Britain in the 2024 Olympic Games, Bird’s law school education comes from the United States, where she recently graduated from Colorado Law. Impressively, she passed the bar exam in February while training for her second Olympic appearance.
Competing in the 3000 meter steeplechase, Bird has faced a unique set of challenges. Balancing rigorous training with the demands of law school was particularly trying during exam season. Bird found support through Colorado Law’s conducive environment, featuring endless running trails and high altitude, as well as a culture that encourages extracurricular activities. Bird credits a classmate, Paul, for holding her accountable during their morning workouts before class. In a candid moment, Bird reveals she took her 1L Torts exam with an ice pack on her foot after injuring her ankle during a run.
Bird’s academic career was equally distinguished. According to Professor Andrew Schwartz, she was a standout student in both Contracts and Corporations classes. Schwartz recalls Bird’s adeptness with the Socratic Method, noting her ability to think quickly on her feet—an invaluable skill both in the classroom and on the track.
Bird recently secured her place in the Olympic steeplechase finals. As reported by the Daily Mail, Bird demonstrated her composure and experience by sprinting through a gap on the inside line to finish fourth in a dramatic semifinal.
Following the Olympics, Bird will commence her legal career with a federal clerkship under Judge Anne R. Traum in the District of Nevada. This post-Olympic pursuit should be an exciting addition to her already impressive resume.
For more details on Bird’s journey from law school to the Olympics, read the full article at Above the Law.