Riding his GT Power Series Ultra Box with custom Team USA graphics, Mike had a strong start and it looked like he could break away from the pack right out of the gate. Facing stiff competition from Latvia’s Maris Stromberg, Mike’s unbelievable speed on the bike kept him in a significant second place position for the entire race, giving him an impressive silver medal victory.
“It was amazing! So much effort, time and training went into this and I can’t believe it is over,” said Day after his silver medal finish. “The experience is overwhelming and great for our sport.”
Seattle’s Kintner earned herself the well deserved bronze medal honors with her third place finish. After blazing her way through three rounds of competition, Jill had to battle seven of the world’s top riders, including Anne-Caroline Chausson and Laetitia le Courguille of France to take home a medal. Jill also rode a GT Power Series Ultra Box with custom Team USA graphics. In a particularly hard-fought race punctuated by three different crashes, including one that took out powerful British rider Shanaze Reade, Jill maintained her composure, avoided the wreckage, and pedaled through it to the bronze.
“It was like the seas had parted and there it is – go!” said Kintner. “On one knee, it’s been a crazy-ass year.”
Mike’s and Jill’s places on the podium are made even more memorable by the fact that this was the first time BMX Race has been included as an Olympic sport. With Mike’s silver and Jill’s bronze, each now holds a special place in both Olympic and BMX Race history.