Caroline: I feel like I have found my winning success routine and what makes me tick! The time is now and it's now or never, I am holding nothing back and giving everything my all. Olympics is definitely not the end of the road I have so many goals after London I want to win the overall 2012 World Cup season and then go onto win the American ABA Girl Pro #1 Title this year. How does all the support feel from Team Australia?
Caroline: Team Australia has been a huge support especially my team mates I love riding with Lauren Reynolds and can't wait to share the Olympic experience with her. There has also been some drama that has fueled my fire this year...but overall it has been so overwhelming the amount of support from Australia and everyone who believes in me and supports me.
You’re far away from all the major BMX races, does the traveling wear you out sometimes? Caroline: It sure does..when I get home and have some time off I tend to hit the wall and come down with everything I am almost guaranteed to get sick as soon as I stop for 5 minutes. I love it though :) If I am in one spot for too long I am ready to pack up and head off to the next race. Recovery has been really important especially this year!
Will you be riding a fresh new Speedco bike for the Olympics, or are you going to break it in for a few weeks before you enter the race?
Caroline: My bikes have only just been finished and I love them. Backbone BMX Shop Canberra has done an amazing job with my dad to get my bikes built up and they are by far my favourite bikes ever.
What trick parts are on your bike for London? Caroline: Bright almost fluro green Speedco Frame with a yellow perl finish, gold XXX Sinz cranks, gold seat clamp and gold custom ODI "Australia" grips. Sinz 20ml forks, black Alienation rims, 20ml front and 15ml rear stealth hubs, Tioga tires and seat, slam XLT race bars, Simano DRX brakes and pedals, Thomson stem and seat post.
You’ve done quite a few commercials in Australia. Are people starting to recognize you in the streets?
Caroline: Hahah I went to a smoothie place the other day and didn't have to tell them my name for the order that was pretty cool :) I am from a small town so it's crazy the support.
Noticed any papparazi yet?
Caroline: Haha Papparazi and BMX racing...hmmmmm maybe if I was a tennis player :)
How do you like the Olympic track? Caroline: The changes that they made to the track this year for the girls especially are much better. The first straight is now 8 lanes wide and one first turn for both the guys and girls so it will make a much more even race. My favourite part of the track is the "London Underground Tunnel" a 14m tunnel that we jump a double into go underground
for 14m and jump a step up out into the 2nd corner. Can you handle the nerves well when you know the stands are full and the world is watching you live on TV?
Caroline: The bigger the crowd and the more atmosphere the better for me. I love it and love to be in that pressure environment and perform!
Will you get a statue in your hometown when you come back with the gold?
Caroline: I haven't thought too far ahead. Gold is my dream but I can only focus on the now and the process for the outcome to happen. Still baby steps :)
Thanks to: All the support from Australia and the world, my family friends and french bulldog Diesel!
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.