by Nadia Sinclair

Meet the trailblazer who shattered the norms, becoming the first British woman to secure a world medal in freestyle BMX at a prominent World Championship event. Not limiting herself to this feat, she unleashed her prowess at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, setting another record as the first woman to achieve a 360-degree backflip in a competitive setting. Keep reading as we unfold the thrilling voyage of this BMX dynamo.

Finding her BMX calling

Along her journey, she tested all sports that came her way during her childhood, developing a fondness for those bearing an element of risk and wheels, such as rollerblading. It was the intoxicating blend of adrenaline rush and satisfaction she experienced while trying a stunt scooter at a skatepark that got her hooked.

Entering her teenage years surrounded by BMX culture, she found BMX to be less fun initially due to her inability to maneuver it as easily as a scooter. Her perspective drastically changed at 19 when she sought a refreshing sport that could satiate her adrenaline thirst that she felt was being overridden by scootering. She was introduced to BMX freestyle, and despite it not being an Olympic recognized sport at that time, she took the plunge.

After reflecting immense potential in various competitions, she was recognized by the British Cycling Association and offered a chance to fully delve into BMX Freestyle. Following her wins at the national and European Championships in 2019, she secured a chance to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, having gained complete expertise in the sport within just two years.

Mastering the Art of Freestyle BMX

No doubt, being successful in BMX Freestyle requires one to be a jack-of-all-trades, unlike other cycling sports that primarily focus on consistency and speed. Its competitive nature involves judging the cyclist on multiple factors such as difficulty, execution, originality, and usage of the course. This demanding sport requires its athletes to exhibit peak efforts for 60 seconds, maintaining balance and control while performing tricks.

Besides taking a break from BMX once a week to hit the gym, she emphasizes the immense mental fatigue a player undergoes due to the repetitive nature and creativity required by the sport. She elaborates the significance of finding a balance between the fear of failing, leading to constant hesitations, and being too relaxed that results in losing focus on the game.

Fueling the BMX Passion

Though BMX Freestyle isn’t about showing off physical strength, she recognizes the importance of overall fitness. She devotes four days a week to high-repetition weight training, complemented by cardio workouts for improving her endurance. She also heavily focuses on core exercises, realizing the importance they hold in controlling the bike while showcasing daredevil stunts.

In terms of nutrition, she has come a long way from relying on energy drinks and chocolates after long shifts to a balanced diet rich in grains, vegetables, and proteins. All while satisfying her sweet tooth and indulging in her love for food from time to time.

Leaping Over Obstacles and Shining Through

When asked about her biggest achievement, the Olympian didn’t hesitate a moment before highlighting her gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The attainment of this esteemed recognition was the culmination of strenuous preparations, overcoming hardships and evolving into a more resilient person. Another significant challenge she faced was recovering from a shoulder dislocation just six weeks before the Olympics. This adversity, however, did not falter her determination. She strove for recovery while wearing a shoulder brace during the finals, proving that a true champion can rise above any barriers.

Looking forward to the Paris 2024 Olympics, she aims to leave no stone unturned in her training. She is thrilled to partner with Bridgestone’s Prepare to Perform Olympic campaign, believing in its underlying message: the path to success lies not in luck but dedication and tenacious hard work.

As an active participant of Bridgestone’s campaign, she ensures that safety, innovation and performance are cornerstones in her pursuit of future victories. Echoing the campaign’s mantra, she prepares for each challenge with an unflinching dedication, sharing the same ethos as Bridgestone: relying not on chance but on preparation.

Freestyle BMX, bmx journey, adrenaline, stunt scooter, British Cycling, national and European Championships, 2020 Tokyo Olympics, BMX freestyle, judged sport, mental fatigue, gym sessions, core exercises, nutrition, shoulder brace, overcoming hardships, 2024 Paris Olympics, Bridgestone’s Prepare to Perform