FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

When was the point for you that you thought you had a good chance of going to the 2016 Olympics in Rio?
Elke: Just before the World Championships I already knew for 90% I was going but after riding the Time Trial and racing my 3 moto's I knew it for sure. It was a great feeling to know I reached my goal.

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?
Elke: Everyone knows that being an athlete you need to work hard but what they don't know is that we need to sacrifice more... Being an athlete doesn't stop after 5 o'clock. Especially in a Olympic year everything needs to be on point

How important has your coach been on your road to Rio?
Elke: As an athlete you need to want this and do this by yourself but you don't need to do this alone. It's great to know that people are standing behind you and are helping you as much as they can. I know I can count on my coach every single day and he knows how I am and what he needs to do or say on that moment to give me that little boost I need.

How did it feel being part of your national Olympic team?
Elke: It was an a credible feeling to be part of the Belgian Olympic Team. They took good care of me and it was great to share those moments with other great athletes.

Did you get some social media updates done while you were in Brasil?
Elke: I did a bit of social media but we needed to be careful with all the rules

After disastrous test events on the Olympic track, what were your thoughts when you saw the colourful track when you arrived at the Games?
Elke: It looked amazing and so much better!

How much practice did you get on the track before racing started and was it enough?
Elke: We had the test event in 2015 and we got another training moment in the beginning of the year after they changed the track. And we had the official training sessions so we had plenty.

How tight was security in Rio?
Elke: There where soldiers in the olympic village and on the tack, and of course the security on the gates.

Did it feel special being in one place with so many top athletes (from different sports) at the same time?
Elke: For sure it was great to be there, I was enjoying it the whole week.

Were you happy with your results?
Elke: Of course I'm happy. I would sign for a 6th place in the finals before the race but now, looking back, I sure want more!

Do you have a moment during the race where you wish you had made a different choice?
Elke: Nope

Who were your picks for the gold one week before the race (men/women)?
Elke: Mariana Pajon and on the men-side it was to hard to choose just one. Connor is a great olympic champion.

Ever since you made it back home, have things changed much after the games?
Elke: Yes, I stopped training for a while and filled my days with interviews, shoots, visits and other fun things I wouldn't have the time for.

Did you do any special appearances back home as an Olympian?
Elke: My family and friends organized a surprise party. I don't like surprise parties but this one was one for the books! Thank you family and friends, your rock!

Are you going to put all the effort into it again to do it all over in Tokyo 2020?
Elke: 4 years is a loooong time but after being in Rio it's sure a thing I would want to experience again!

Last words: It was an incredible season, my best season so far! I want to thank everyone behind the scenes and let's go for some more seasons like this one!