London 2012 was a chance for BMX to entice a new audience into a sport that still has a small understanding among many sports fans.
BMX clubs have been set up across London in the hope those five years after the London Olympics the rise in BMX riders would lead to real progress.
Where It All Began
BMX riding came to fame in the early 1970’s and became highly popular, this led to the NBL (National bicycle league) being set up by George E. Esser in 1974. In 1977 the American Bicycle Association (ABA) was put together as a means for growing sports to have a national sanctioning body.
By 1981, the (IBF) International BMX Federation was founded with the first world championships held a year later. From 1993 BMX has been a part of the Union Cyclist International (UCI).
BMX freestyle progressed with sportsmen and women able to push their limits of what could be done on their BMX bikes. BMX Freestyle is now one of the most popular events at the annual Summer X Games which is an Extreme Sports competition.
Beijing 2008 was the first Olympic Games to include BMX, and although it captured many people’s imagination there was no lasting legacy for the thrilling sport.
The Launch
One of the aims for London 2012 was to make BMX riding accessible. Clubs and websites such as londonbmx.com gave information on the London BMX tracks, competitions and more. Now, London has the most training facilities for aspiring sportsmen/women looking to take on and be apart of this sport.
Beth Shriever was one of those sportswomen to take on the BMX sporting world. She helped create more growing recognition for the sport, being nominated for the SportsAid’s One-to-Watch Award and winning the BMX World Championships 2017.
The Final Landing
London has contributed in changing the scene of BMX riding. It has given people the chance to ride into a new, exciting sport. The city is now the forefront of BMX riding in the United Kingdom, and the emergence of talent will only aid the sports rise and recognition in the hope that one day it will have enough depth to really compete in the world and on the Olympic stage.
