4 decades of blazing BMX

May 09, 2008

Written by Bart de Jong

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With the historic introduction of BMX as an Olympic sport, Nike celebrates and salutes four decades of BMX heritage and its intrinsic creative current. For this historic BMX moment, Nike is bringing together pioneers, cultural icons, legends, and the future generation of the sport to celebrate BMX in Beijing. Nike has teamed up with BMX Hall of Famer, Bob Haro, recreating his iconic number plate as a canvas. A select group of contemporary artists, each sharing a cultural connection to BMX, have been invited to take

part in the Lightning Bolts Art Show. Unique works from artists such as Nick Philip, Andy Jenkins, Rich Hansen, and Michael Lau will debut in Beijing, China on May 13th. The artwork will later be auctioned off to help action sports foundation The Land of Plenty as they introduce at-risk youth to the world of BMX.

Lightning Bolts pays homage to the creative spark in BMX, past and present. The event unites an international mix of originality, all touched (or warped) by BMX. It connects the pioneers, including legends such as Bob Haro, “The Father of Freestyle,” with the new-school Nike 6.0 BMX athletes like Mike Spinner, who stuck the first 1080 in BMX competition in 2008. 6.0 Athletes Nigel Sylvester and Maxime Charveron will also be present showcasing the next generation of athletes who will continue the progression of BMX.

Lightning Bolts Art Show Beijing, China, May 13th Artists Include: *Scott Towne *Nick Philip*Todd Bratrud*Michael Lau* Lee Basford*Mark Lewman*Kevin Wilkins*John Martin*Bob Haro*Ronnie Bonner*Norman Chuck*Gork Barrette*Rich Hansen*Clive Noctchaw*Joe Polevy*Jeff Tremaine*Greg Higgins*Andy Jenkins*Yogi Proctor*Michael Leon*Dave Fox*Dave Ortiz*David Slade*Psycho*