FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

What were your personal goals two weeks before the Olympic race?
Nic: Really, just to be safe on my bike and in training. I didn't wanna crash before and not be able to race. Though also, really focused on form and technique.

How much different did the track look when you saw it for the first time?
Nic: Was a huge difference from when I rode it the previous August, and looked awesome with the colored turns.. though was tough to see when we actually got on the track.

You survived a flip attempt on the first straight, how did that happen?
Nic: I just got caught up in the moment, and pedal one too many down the hill. That made me G out and basically hit the lip with my pedals at 6 o'clock and in a half squat haha

How big was your team arond you in Rio? (mechanic, coach, nutrition, physio, family/friends, etc...)
Nic: My team really was only Kurt and my Dad... they're always watching and making sure everything is getting done efficiently. Family wise I had a ton though.. Mom and her husband, Dad, his wife and her son, little sister, and grandfather.

Were you in the best shape you've ever been in when it was time to race on the Olympic track?
Nic: By far.. both physically and mentally I couldn't have been in a better place.

How was staying in the Olympic village?
Nic: The village was perfect. Rooms were nice and AC'd and big.. though food could have been a little better, thank goodness for The Mac.

Did you get to hang out with other athletes from different countries and different sports?
Nic: A little bit, but only after racing... I'd say I had a pretty solid 3 days

Did you participate in the opening/closing ceremonies and how was that experience?
Nic: Just the Closing, and it was such a blast this time. London felt stiff, but RIO was completely mad!

Did you ride a special bike in Brasil?
Nic: Nope, just had a cool paint job and was extremely patriotic this time.

Were you proud riding in the National Team colours?
Nic: Of course, who wouldn't be proud to be 1 of 5 athletes in their sport to represent their country?

Did you get to watch any other sports during your stay?
Nic: I don't think I did this time actually, was pretty focused on the task at hand.

Was it worth it spending four years of hard training to do this one Olympic race?
Nic: Wouldn't trade it for the world, and plan on doing it all over again. BMX racing is my life, and my passion.. I still love everything about this sport.

2020 Tokyo. What are your plans?
Nic: I plan on being there, got plenty left in the tank.

Thanks to: Haro Bikes, Dans Comp, Rynopower, HT components, Tangent, Vans, Gaerne, Troy Lee Designs, Stealth Hubs, ODI, The Shadow Conspiracy, Kenda, Kurt Pickard, Donavon Long, Joe Hawk, John Buultjens, Derek Betcher, Jamie Staff and I'm sure a ton others that I'm forgetting... Cheers!