Were you in the best shape you've ever been in when it was time to race on
the Olympic track?
Merle: I was prepared and in the best shape I could be at the time but I wasn’t in my best shape I have ever been in..
How was staying in the Olympic village?
Merle: The vibe in the village was awesome, it was nice to be around other athletes from different sports.
Did you live by the rules during your stay?
Merle: Of course haha
Did you get to hang out with other athletes from different countries and different sports?
Merle: I mostly hung out with other Dutch athletes from different sports at our “living room” at the Dutch building. But I’ve spoken to athletes from other countries and different sports too.
Did you participate in the opening/closing ceremonies and how was that experience?
Merle: I experienced the closing ceremonies, it was awesome but unfortunately it was raining haha.
Did you ride a special bike in Brasil?
Merle: Yeah, Meybo made us a special Olympic bike.
Were you proud riding in the National Team colours?
Merle: Of course, every race I represent the Dutch colors I'm proud.
Did you get to watch any other sports during your stay?
Merle: Watched Elis Ligtlee (former BMXer) win the Keirin gold medal in track cycling and watched the female boxing -75kg gold medal event.
Was it worth it spending four years of hard training to do this one Olympic race?
Merle: Definitely!
2020 Tokyo. What are your plans?
Merle: After a disappointing result in Rio I want to do better in Tokyo and go for gold.
Thanks to: My family, my coach Bas and the rest of the Dutch staff, my sponsors and my friends. Couldn’t have done it without them.
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.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.