BMX Freestyle, part of the cycling category, has grown significantly in popularity, especially since its addition to the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. This high-energy sport involves athletes performing acrobatic stunts and tricks on bikes in various styles like street, park, vert, and flatland. Records in BMX Freestyle primarily focus on athletes’ achievements in competitions and individual tricks.
Here are some notable records and accomplishments in BMX Freestyle:
1. Olympic Records (Tokyo 2020)
- First Olympic Gold in BMX Freestyle: Charlotte Worthington from Great Britain won the first-ever women’s gold medal in BMX Freestyle at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with an incredible performance, including the first-ever 360 backflip in Olympic competition.
- Men’s Gold Medal: Logan Martin from Australia won the men’s gold, setting a high standard for future competitions with his smooth execution and high-difficulty tricks.
2. X Games Records
- Most X Games Medals in BMX Freestyle: Dave Mirra, known as a BMX legend, held the record for the most X Games medals in BMX until his retirement. His impact on BMX Freestyle and record-breaking performances set a foundation for the sport’s popularity.
- Most Gold Medals: Daniel Dhers, hailing from Venezuela, has accumulated several X Games gold medals in BMX Park. His versatility and consistency have made him one of the most decorated athletes in BMX Freestyle.
3. Longest Wheelie and Highest Air
- Longest Wheelie: In BMX Freestyle, the longest wheelie on a BMX bike is one of the unofficial records, where riders aim to maintain their balance on the back wheel for extensive distances. Though not widely documented in terms of official records, riders in the BMX community often set personal records.
- Highest Air: Kevin Robinson (K-Rob) set an incredible height record in BMX Vert at the height of 27 feet above the vert ramp. This feat remains one of the highest airs in BMX history, demonstrating the extent of athleticism and skill in BMX Freestyle.
4. Special Trick Records
- Most Flips in One Trick: Athletes like Mat Hoffman have achieved groundbreaking records with backflips and other complex rotations, influencing the new generation of riders to attempt even more challenging tricks.
- First Double Backflip: Dave Mirra successfully landed one of the first double backflips in competition, inspiring riders to pursue higher levels of technical skill.
These records showcase the thrilling achievements of BMX Freestyle athletes and the sport’s evolution in both competition and technique.