Judy: Better than expected! This is the first year as a full time athlete. I always had to combine the sport with school and school was always more important. But when I graduated last year summer I decided to take a year only for the BMX. And with success! I took the overall win at the European series and did well at the World Cups. The only low point was my elbow injury right before the National and European championships. Unfortunately I couldn’t compete those two races.
Where did you watch the Olympics from this summer?
Judy: Unfortunately at home with my friends and family. There was a small change I could go because I was chosen as a (not flown in) reserve athlete for the Olympics. But after all I can’t be sad about it because I came closer than I ever thought I will be.
Is Tokyo a goal for you already?
Judy: After this (already) successful year I’m definitely do a road to Tokyo. Me, my coach and people around me need to think it trough how we fill up this 4 years long road. This year was a little bit of an unexpected progression and I think I can make much more progression. But we need to have to a good plan for that ultimate Olympic goal.
What countries did you visit this year for BMX?
Judy: I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to go all over the world and ride this little bike. This year I’ve been to England, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Italy.
How did the first three UCI BMX SX World Cups go for you in 2016?
Judy: The first one in Santiago (Argentina) was one to forget. I felt sick at practice day and didn’t feel confident during the race. I didn’t made it through to the main event. Manchester and Papendal was a different story. In Manchester I got 6th in the semi final and in Papendal I got a 4th in the final! With these results I managed to get a ticket for the Worlds in Colombia where I got 14th in the Time Trial and 6th in the semi.
Who helps out with the travel expenses in your case?
Judy: That’s the biggest problem at the moment and also going to be for the future in my road to Tokyo. I have some sponsors who hook me up with stuff I need for the sport and some of them give small amounts of money. I'm very grateful for that, but at this moment my prize money is the biggest amount of money which goes directly back into the sport. I still live at my parents house and need to do crowd funding for bigger events.
Two more races are coming up. Where are they and are you going?
Judy: The last 2 races are World Cups in America. One in Rock Hill and the last one in Sarasota. At the moment I’m ranked 12th and I really want to get into the top 8. But I still need money to be there. That's why I’m doing a crowd funding for this trip which almost comes to an end. I need 2500 EUR (2800 USD) for the flights / hotels / rental cars / registration fee etc. Every small amount of money is more than welcome!
Where can people donate to get you to the races in the USA?
Judy: http://www.dreamordonate.nl/7262-wereldbekers-4-5-usa-2016
Thanks to: everyone who supports me and believes in me. We can do this together!
The last 2 World Cups in the last weekend of September and the first weekend in October are in Rock Hill and Sarasota.
With crowd funding I try to raise all the money wich is needed for this trip so I can compete these 2 races. At the moment I’m ranked 12th after 3 World Cups and I really want to try to reach the top 8.
I will use the money for flights / hotels / rental cars / registration fee etc.
Of course I want to do something in return!
€10,- A signed actionphoto
€30,- A Fancard witch gives you discount on many webshops (more info: www.judybaauw.nl)
€75,- A signed supercross nummerplate of this year! (Max. 5)
€100,- You can join my training!
€250,- 1,5 hour clinic at your track (max. 8 personen)
€500,- Your logo on my shirt or car!
Please fill in your first and second name when you donate or send me a message on Facebook.
If there are any questions you can always send me a message
Love, Judy Baauw