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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.

Name: Nadja Pries
Number in Rio: 53
Country: Germany
Result: Semi Final

Toulouse BMX hill race

With 4 years to get ready for the 2016 Olympics, Liam Philips was in the best position in his life to do so, up until 8 weeks before the Rio Games. Liam talks about the disappointment of not being able to race, but as he always does, he's moved on, making strides, and getting ready for the 2017 season. Part 3 concludes the ride to Rio, but gives us insight and a look into Liam's personal life as well. Enjoy!

Earlier this year, Wisconsin-based BMX startup, Throdwn, launched a fresh line of titanium BMX Racing frames and cranks. The line sold-through Dan’s Comp, and if you were walking the pits at the USA BMX Grands, you would have seen more than a few heading to staging. Throughout Grands weekend, visitors to the Throdwn pit got a first-look at our new aluminum frame. Now, we’re stoked to show it off to FATBMX readers.

Name: Yoshitaku Nagasako
Number in Rio: 993
Country: Japan
Result: 1/4 finals, 12th in TT

"The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in Life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

Update 12-1-16. For more detailed info on Sam's rehab and to support his recovery go to www.strengthfor91.com

The 2016 USA BMX Grand National presented by Tulsa Sports Commission concluded on Sunday setting multiple records for the sport and the event. For the 19th consecutive year, the much-anticipated Grands returned to Tulsa for a record-setting weekend where more than 2,900 riders from 21 different countries participated in the year-end event.

All three USA BMX National number one title holders held on to their pro #1 plates as this weekend’s event concludes the BMX racing season. Alise Post (St. Cloud, MN) not only repeated her championship title, but she set a new record for nine total cups (4 as an amateur, 5 as a pro). Cristian Becerine (Argentina), who was the first South American to ever win a USA BMX Championship,

Name: Merle van Benthem
Number in Rio: 75
Country: The Netherlands
Result: Semi final

How big was your struggle even making it to the Olympics?
Merle: To be honest it was a pretty rough road to Rio. Had to deal with a fractured back, a torn ACL and a pretty bad concussion but once I made it, it was all worth it.

What were your personal goals two weeks before the Olympic race?
Merle: My goals were to medal.

How much different did the track look when you saw it for the first time?
Merle: The track looked a lot different during the Olympics than the first time we saw the track at the test event. Not just the green asphalt turns but the track looked way smoother and faster than during the test event.

How big was your team arond you in Rio? (mechanic, coach, nutrition, physio, family/friends, etc...)
Merle: My parents and brother came out to Rio to support. My best friend who is a Dutch track cyclist and other couple Dutch athletes were in the stands to support. And of course the Dutch staff.

BMX RACE - Pro Open Genève 2016 from Progressive Pictures