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
Name: CARLOS OQUENDO
Number in Rio: 566
Country: COLOMBIA
Result: 10
How tough was the competition in your country to get a spot on the Olympic team for Rio?
Carlos Oquendo: The tough moment was to keep the country spot.
Name: Priscilla Andréia Stevaux Carnaval
Number in Rio: #93
Country: Brazil
Result: 16th
"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."
First session back at Abbotsford Indoor BMX with the crew! Make sure to inform me of any things you would like to see differently or what you would like to see filmed next! (Ps. I promise the next video wont be filled just on my GoPro haha).
Epic week this week! Flew out to Tulsa, OK for the USA BMX Grand Nationals. Didnt have the greatest weekend racing. Then flew back to San Diego to kick it with the homies Derik Bergh and Alex Cazares! So keen for the rest of the week! Stay tuned!
Elite Men:
1 Rio AKBAR INA 21 50 50
2 Nonthakon INKHOKSONG THA 20 45 45
3 Renoza ALDI PRATAMA INA 22 40 40
Elite Men:
1 I Gusti Bagus SAPUTRA INA 23 50 50
2 Renoza ALDI PRATAMA INA 22 45 45
3 Ari KRISANTO INA 29 40 40
Women Pro
1 ALISE POST, REDLINE, CHULA VISTA, CA
2 MARIANA PAJON, DANS, KATY, TX
3 BROOKE CRAIN, FACTORY HARO/PROMAX, VISALIA, CA
4 CAROLINE BUCHANAN, SUN CITY, CA
5 LAUREN REYNOLDS, AUSTRALIND, WA
6 FLORENCIA SORIANO, CORDOBA ARGENTINA
7 LEANNA CURTIS (NCH), OAK FLATS, NSW
8 MIKA SHAW, HOSTILE ELITE, CASTLE ROCK, CO
AA Pro
1 ANTHONY DEAN, STAY STRONG /DHR, CHULA VISTA, CA
Name: Twan van Gendt
Number in Rio: 148
Country: The Netherlands
Result: 5th in semi
How tough was the competition in your country to get a spot on the Olympic team for Rio?
Twan van Gendt: Well it was pretty tough. Jelle and I where the first nominated but due a lot of injuries I almost missed out on the Olympics. Making the main at the World Championships saved and secured my spot for the Olympics
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.