have loved to have gone for another world title in mountain biking and made it 3 in a row. However my 4x bike is hanging on my wall for 2011 and 2012 only coming off for some coaching clinic and occasional fun rides. My Goal is LONDON and I'm focussing 100% on that. 
Do you think it’s a disadvantage to have to travel so far for all the UCI SX races coming from Australia? Caroline: Luckily this year we have one in South Africa which isn't too bad for us Aussies. I think that I have become used to racing whilst still a little jet legged. The Australian team always arrives early before the world cups normally the Monday before the event so that we have a good week to try to get on the time zone and settle in.
When is Australia going to build a full on SX track and have a race so the competitors can spend some time on the airplane to get to you?
Caroline: It is currently under construction, Australia will be the place to be for Supercross. One Supercross track is being built by Tom Ritz as we speak in Brisbane QLD and a 2nd supercross facility will be built in about 5 months on the Gold Coast about an hour drive from the 1st one. I am really excited to be based on the Gold Coast for the majority of my time between now and the Olympics and make the most of great team cohesion and daily Supercross training environment. The Australia National team riders are looked after quite well. Is there a need for you to work besides riding bikes to make ends meet?
Caroline: 2010 for me was definitely an expensive year and without the help and support of the best parents in the world I probably would have been working full time for 6 months to fund the last 6 months of the year. I was competing in a lot of MTB events and therefor most of it was all self funded. The BMX Cycling Australia team is very supportive and we have a great program being run by Wade Bootes (coach) and Paul Brosnan with the help of BMX Australia and Cycling Australia. In the lead up to the Olympics I will not need to work just focus all of my energy on London. Growing up riding bikes, did you ever think you would be riding professionally?
Caroline: It was always a dream for me to be racing like the big kids and putting their bikes on planes to go to races. Bu
t I never really thought too much about it, I was too busy as a little tacka riding my bike and having run racing as a kid. Who are some of the people you train with in Australia?
Caroline: Our training camps consist of Luke Madill, Brian Kirkham, Lauren Reynolds, Rachel Bracken, Josh Callen and our juniors..Melinda Mc Cloud and Kirsten Dellar.
Do you have a photo on your wall of a person that you would like to beat in 2011? Caroline: Laetitia and Shanaze!!! watch out hahha
What’s it like using a Leatt-Brace for racing?
Caroline: I have never had any issues with it at all, it has saved me a few times already hitting trees in 4x. Falling off high northshore wood on my downhill bike in Whistler and some big falls in BMX. I have lately started using some straps which have made it sit more centered and still whilst I am riding. I love it…my brother broke his neck and cannot race anymore. I am so glad that Leatt came out with the Leatt Brace, it is a must I believe, especially if you are racing Supercross. Keep your eyes open for the new Leatt braces coming out soon :)
What other protection gear do you have on when you’re dropping in from that 8 meter high starting hill? Caroline: A motorbike standard helmet, Knee pads, elbow pads, Leatt Neck Brace and kidney belt/back brace as I have had some back injuries I have to look after.
Do you consider BMX a dangerous sport?
Caroline: I think any sport and everyday life can be dangerous depending on the situations you put yourself in..if you are someone who likes pushing your riding limits every day you are bound to have some accidents. I have always been a strong and competitive rider but I always ride to my abilities and don't push my boundaries very often
Should more girls do it? Caroline: 100%…..we need more girls in the sport. I am so glad that my brother started BMX it has been a great family sport and given me so many opportunities to travel the world, win great awards, meet amazing people and the sky is the limit. There is still so many challenges and opportunities ahead of me. BMX is a great sport for all ages and there are so many boys. We need some more girls power showing the guys what's up.
Any advice to the BMX girls that are starting out?
Caroline: …a saying that I live by is.."be yourself because everyone else is taken"…so many girls play tennis or hockey
because their best friend plays…be an individual. Give everything a go. I gave BMX a go at the age of 5 and never looked back at the time I was playing golf, Netball, Teakwondo, Soccer and swimming..but BMX stole my heart. Last words/shout outs?
Caroline: Thanks to everyone who supports me achieve my dreams. All of my Sponsors and fans, My parents, Wade Bootes, Tuggeranong BMX Club, Canberra, ACTAS, Barry Nobles, Jerry Landrum BMX Mania, Mike Redman, Tim Chadd and FatBMX for supporting Girls :) Also..Keep your eyes open to see that new Australia High Performance BMX team and our new rides for 2011.
Pics by BdJ
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.