Sunday 1st August 2021 marked an Olympic debut not only for Team GB and Rocket Sport’s Charlotte Worthington, but also for the sport of BMX Freestyle. The world was watching…
It was with bated breath we watched Charlotte take to the start position in her second and final round of the BMX Freestyle Olympic Final in Tokyo. Having fallen on her second trick, within seconds of starting her first round, attempting a move never seen before in competitive women’s BMX history would she attempt the impossible again?
As she stood, eyes closed, visibly visualising her route around the course the commentators mused on what she had decided to do. Would she play it safe (or as safe as you can get in BMX Freestyle!) with a round that could move her into bronze or silver medal position at most?
Or surely not, go for broke, and use her final round to put in a second attempt at the unseen trick and topple the untouchable reigning champion Hannah Roberts of the USA?
Within seconds the whole world knew – she was going for it. Charlotte Worthington was attempting the never competed backflip 360 in the Olympic final! And she nailed it.
She put everything into her final round, pushing every ramp and trick to its limit, using every second out on the park to show that she, Team GB’s Charlotte Worthington, was the one to beat; the gold medal rider.
An agonising wait for the score, a heart in mouth moment of Hannah Rogers pushing off for her final round, one slip on the USA rider’s pedals and the gold was ours.
Charlotte Worthington became the first ever Olympic Champion in women’s BMX Freestyle. Her show of courage on the course, maturity in her execution, and sheer delight and shock at her achievement captured the nation. We are so proud to be on this journey with Charlotte and watch the rise of a champion and star.