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?
Nadja Pries: I tried to qualify through the nations ranking. But after I had a bad crash in Argentina at the first World Cup of the 2016 season I almost lost all my hope to qualify. But I decided to set up a new game plan. I started training with Kurt Pickard and as my shape got better and better again I realized I have a chance to qualify at the World's in Colombia. It was a mental game cause I needed that good result. And I won it ...

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?
Nadja Pries: It is important to find a balance between „normal life“ and sport. BMX has always no. 1 priority, and I plan everything around it. If you know why you’re doing it, you don’t really feel how much you put in. But it is also important to enjoy it and also spending time with friends and family.

How important has your coach been on your road to Rio?
Nadja Pries: Very important. I made huge steps in such a short amount of time. I can trust his work 100% and that is essential for me. I am still working on my gates and stuff but I finally see that everything is going in the right direction.

How did it feel being part of your national Olympic team?
Nadja Pries: It felt great! And by thinking about it you start feeling so small. That is the special thing about the olympics. Suddenly you’re standing amongst all those big athletes from all over the world, doing all kinds of sport. And it was one of the most exciting feelings to ride the Rio track with some of the best riders in the world.

Did you get some social media updates done while you were in Brasil?
Nadja Pries: Not really. Due to the special olympic rule I tried not to post anything special to make sure I won't get in trouble :D

After disastrous test events on the Olympic track, what were your thoughts when you saw the colourful track when you arrived at the Games?
Nadja Pries: Well I was not riding at the test event. But the first time I saw it I was truly amazed. Bright colors and such huge stands!

How much practice did you get on the track before racing started and was it enough?
Nadja Pries: Yes it was enough. I think we had 2 full days + warm up or so. But I had so much fun riding it so it was better that we had a time limit :D

How tight was security in Rio?
Nadja Pries: I think it was good. I felt safe but it was not too much of security checks.

Did it feel special being in one place with so many top athletes (from different sports) at the same time?
Nadja Pries: Yes! crazy! I always tried to notice some faces while walking around the village.

Were you happy with your results?
Nadja Pries: Well I think my result was realistic. But looking to Tokyo I will set my goal higher and work for it.

Do you have a moment during the race where you wish you had made a different choice?
Nadja Pries: Sure. I had a really bad gate in 2 of my 3 motos. I was just really nervous. But there’s nothing to change about that. I think there is always something to work on If you watch back the videos though.

Who were your picks for the gold one week before the race (men/women)?
Nadja Pries: Men: Strombergs Women: Pajon

Ever since you made it back home, have things changed much after the games?
Nadja Pries: Just a little. I feel that some pressure is off of my shoulders and there are some more people who recognize me.

Did you do any special appearances back home as an Olympian?
Nadja Pries: I was invited at a local TV channel, and to Munich to sign the golden book there. Else just some smaller things like local events or interviews.

Are you going to put all the effort into it again to do it all over in Tokyo 2020?
Nadja Pries: YEEEES!

Last words: Thank you! And also thank you to all of those people who are always standing behind me. My family, friends, and all of my sponsors! Without you I wouldn’t be where I am now.