FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

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

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