Joy Renjilian-Burgy Inspirational Award: Blythe Logan ‘21

The 2020-21 Joy Renjilian-Burgy Inspirational Award goes to Cross Country and Track & field senior Blythe Logan (New York, N.Y.), whose fortitude, patience, determination and unwavering optimism in the face of adversity is a daily inspiration to teammates, coaches, and our support staff.

Established in 2012, the Joy Renjilian-Burgy Inspirational Award is given to a varsity student-athlete who has overcome a significant personal circumstance and inspired others through athletics. The award was renamed in honor of Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) and Associate Professor of Spanish Joy Renjilian-Burgy in 2015. Renjilian-Burgy has taught at Wellesley College for over 40 years and represents Wellesley as an FAR because she "loves sports and values the relationship between mind, body and spirit."

In the words of Head Coach Phil Jennings, Blythe epitomizes the ideals of "keep showing up" and "never say never". Blythe ran a full season of cross county as a first year, competing in five events on the season and recording a 6K personal record of 27:31.1 at the Purple Valley Cross Country Invite. Unfortunately, Blythe never competed on the track after sustaining an injury during the break between seasons. Since then, she has sustained multiple season ending injuries that have kept her out of competition for the bulk of her collegiate career.

"She has seen more doctors and specialists than anyone should see in a lifetime," said Jennings. "Yet, she persisted with a grace and humility that I have yet to see from any other athlete I've coached."

Blythe has done everything in her power to rebound back into form. She has spent countless hours in the training room diligently performing rehab and prehab and has assuredly put in more miles on bikes and machines than anyone else on campus in the last three years. This fall, she returned to stable running and set a new personal record competing in the team's virtual 5k.

"Blythe is truly amazing," said Niki Rybko, Wellesley's Director of Sports Medicine & Well-being.  "No matter how many times she was told she would have to take a break from running, she fought to come back. It was that grit and perseverance that made her inspirational. She has taken all the setbacks and looked at them with a positive attitude knowing they are opportunities for her to get stronger, learn more and lead and help her teammates."

A true student of the sport, Blythe follows the headlines and results of elite athletes and her love for her team is unquestionable. She was a constant presence at practice even when she was not able to participate. Even as a senior this spring, knowing that competitions were cancelled, she was determined to gradually build back from injury.

"We will miss Blythe after she graduates this spring," said Jennings. "But her positive attitude and resilience will influence her teammates for years to come."