Making some big sacrifices to miss one thing enabling your dreams to come true.
In my time I've moved away from my friends and family, missing plenty of special occasions, and keeping my focus on the job.
I wouldn't change what I do for the world, I'm super passionate about racing and helping the youth in our sport, but it's certainly tough at times and when I do get to be with my friends and family isn't even more special ????
How important has your coach been on your road to Rio?
Lauren Reynolds: Sean Dwight helped me a lot leading up to and during the Games. I've worked with Him right after London up until Rio and he was a great help and support during this journey.
How did it feel being part of your national Olympic team?
Lauren Reynolds: it's an honour as always to represent my awesome Country. For the second time to be apart of the Olympic team was an incredible experience and a wonderful honour I hope to do for the third time.
Did you get some social media updates done while you were in Brazil?
Lauren Reynolds: Yes, I tried to capture the most memorable moments in Brazil. I didn't allow myself to get caught up on social media during my time there as it's business, however it was awesome to see other athletes sharing their stories and during the Games and see the emotions. 
When I did use social media it was to show my people back home what's going on and to be motivated by all the hype that was going on.
After disastrous test events on the Olympic track, what were your thoughts when you saw the colourful track when you arrived at the Games?
Lauren Reynolds: I personally enjoyed the test event track, so whatever was to be improved I knew it would be awesome. They really made it happen and put together an awesome track that raced well and flowed awesome.
The track was certainly a highlight for me and a pleasure to race.
There's always going to be complaints and negative talk, it's never perfect anymore, but it is what it is, and I quiet enjoyed it. The final product was for sure an improvement though:)
How much practice did you get on the track before racing started and was it enough?
Lauren Reynolds: We had two days, before time trial day started. I only did the first session, and freshened up for the TT day. I got what I needed to get done in the first session and was happy with that.
How tight was security in Rio?
Lauren Reynolds: Tight! I felt fairly safe although I didn't spend much time outside of the village.
Did it feel special being in one place with so many top athletes (from different sports) at the same time?
Lauren Reynolds: Olympics is crazy for sure, and it's for sure an incredible experience being around so many top athletes. It's an honour to be a select few who can be there! 
Were you happy with your results?
Lauren Reynolds: Unfortunately no.. next time.
Who were your picks for the gold one week before the race (men/women)?
Lauren Reynolds: The level was hot coming into the race week. It was anyone's races depending on who held it together. That's the exciting part about our sport. I think the women's racing was really hot and the best three on the day got the medals. 
Ever since you made it back home, have things changed much after the games?
Lauren Reynolds: Less stress, more fun and racing has been better! It's nice to do things on my own terms and enjoy what opportunities we have more. After my close friend Sam was injured, it's certainly put things into perspective and makes me appreciate life more.... this alone has changed a lot.
Did you do any special appearances back home as an Olympian?
Lauren Reynolds: My home town put on a 'welcome home' party where we auctioned off some of my equipment from RIO and was able to see my friend, family and everyone from my home town which was super cool
Are you going to put all the effort into it again to do it all over in Tokyo 2020?
Lauren Reynolds: I'd love to represent for the third time in Tokyo! And enjoy some fine sushi.
Name: Lauren Reynolds
Number in Rio: 21
Country: Australia
Result: Semi finalist
When was the point for you that you thought you had a good chance of going to the 2016 Olympics in Rio?
Lauren Reynolds: Rio 2016 had always been on my radar since the Olympic Games introduced bmx racing. Once I made my first Olympic team in 2012, and falling short of my expectations and result, 2016 Games soon became a target.
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?
Lauren Reynolds: Being a professional athlete of any sport isn't easy, the road certainly isn't as smooth as it's shown to be. When you set yourself dreams and goals most athlete will do what ever it takes to achieve them, and this usually comes with a cost.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.