FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

Name: Tory Nyhaug
Country: Canada
Number in Rio: 49
Result: 5th

How did Rio turn out for you looking back at the race now?
Tory Nyhaug: Happy with how I battled and competed right until the end.  I did the best I could every lap regardless of anything, kept the mood light and just kept telling myself no matter what just do the best you can and be proud of yourself no matter what.  Starts were off for racing so I had to compensate and race in other ways, but overall very proud.

So close to a medal. Do you re-watch the final on a regular basis?
Tory Nyhaug: Yeah of course, painfully close. No I don’t watch it on a regular basis, I tortured myself with it for a bit then said

Name: Anthony Dean
Number in Rio: 44
Country: Australia
Result: 8th (DNF)

Can you explain how hard it was to make the Australian Olympic team?
Anthony Dean: It was not that difficult this time around. I put

The documentary story of how BMX Supercross became an Olympic discipline.

Name: Nic Long
Number in Rio: 64
Country: USA
Result: 4th

How big was your struggle even making it to the Olympics?
Nic: The struggle is always going to be as hard as you make it.. I worked hard all year, and Kurt had my program spot on. I was prepared for everything.

Name: Manon VALENTINO
Number in Rio: 971
Country: France
Result: 8

When was the point for you that you thought you had a good chance of going to the 2016 Olympics in Rio?
Manon: My goal the last 4 years was to increase my level and to be good enough to have a chance to win a medal at the Olympics.

Name: Lauren Reynolds
Number in Rio: 21
Country: Australia
Result: Semi finalist

When was the point for you that you thought you had a good chance of going to the 2016 Olympics in Rio?
Lauren Reynolds: Rio 2016 had always been on my radar since the  Olympic Games introduced bmx racing. Once I made my first Olympic team in 2012, and falling short of my expectations and result, 2016 Games soon became a target.

Can you explain what kind of sacrifices you have to make as a professional BMX racer to be on top of your game all the time?
Lauren Reynolds: Being a professional athlete of any sport isn't easy, the road certainly isn't as smooth as it's shown to be. When you set yourself dreams and goals most athlete will do what ever it takes to achieve them, and this usually comes with a cost.

Name: Nadja Pries
Number in Rio: 53
Country: Germany
Result: Semi Final

With 4 years to get ready for the 2016 Olympics, Liam Philips was in the best position in his life to do so, up until 8 weeks before the Rio Games. Liam talks about the disappointment of not being able to race, but as he always does, he's moved on, making strides, and getting ready for the 2017 season. Part 3 concludes the ride to Rio, but gives us insight and a look into Liam's personal life as well. Enjoy!

Name: Yoshitaku Nagasako
Number in Rio: 993
Country: Japan
Result: 1/4 finals, 12th in TT

"The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in Life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

Name: Merle van Benthem
Number in Rio: 75
Country: The Netherlands
Result: Semi final

How big was your struggle even making it to the Olympics?
Merle: To be honest it was a pretty rough road to Rio. Had to deal with a fractured back, a torn ACL and a pretty bad concussion but once I made it, it was all worth it.

What were your personal goals two weeks before the Olympic race?
Merle: My goals were to medal.

How much different did the track look when you saw it for the first time?
Merle: The track looked a lot different during the Olympics than the first time we saw the track at the test event. Not just the green asphalt turns but the track looked way smoother and faster than during the test event.

How big was your team arond you in Rio? (mechanic, coach, nutrition, physio, family/friends, etc...)
Merle: My parents and brother came out to Rio to support. My best friend who is a Dutch track cyclist and other couple Dutch athletes were in the stands to support. And of course the Dutch staff.