Kicking off their Olympic cycle

Although Team Shandong's Lin Haochao defended his men's BMX racing title at the 15th National Games in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, he acknowledged the growing challenge from the younger generation of athletes, noting that the competition level of the sport in China is rising quickly.

"Over the past four years, it feels like the sport has been continuously developing. I have realized that, because the younger team members are always progressing, if I don't put in enough effort, I will be overtaken," said Lin, who also won gold at the last edition of the Games held in Shaanxi province in 2021.

He added that the development of younger cyclists is moving particularly fast. "Now, many children are getting involved in BMX freestyle and pump track racing. Also, many BMX programs have been introduced across the country, and China is hosting a lot of events. I believe BMX has a bright future."

Defending his title and winning the gold at the National Games was the goal from the off, said Lin, who crossed the finish line in 32.928.

"There are many uncertainties in BMX racing. A slight mistake could negate four years of effort. On the track, I could feel the years of accumulated experience coming into play. At the end of the day, it's the passion of the sport that keeps me progressing."

Meanwhile, Guangdong's Liao Wanyi won gold for the Games co-host in the women's BMX racing. She still couldn't believe that she won after crossing the finishing line in 34.788.

"Before the competition, my coach kept reminding me to focus on myself and not to worry too much about rankings or results," Liao said. "In the past two years, I've fallen many times during competitions and I was worried that my efforts would be in vain, but I kept telling myself to persevere, to relax and to enjoy every moment in the spotlight."

Liao's coach, Ma Liyun, who raced at Beijing 2008, remains the only BMX racing cyclist from Team China to have competed at the Olympics.

"I hope Liao can broaden her perspective, gain more confidence to tackle upcoming competitions and reach a higher platform — and become the second BMX racer from our team to participate at an Olympics," Ma said.

Ma added that the popularity of BMX has continued to grow at the grassroots level in China, with tracks built in many provinces and thousands of children training regularly at cycling clubs.

"BMX freestyle and pump track racing now have a good grassroots foundation in China, one which is strong enough to support the development of the sport. Many children aged eight, nine and older are now already semi-professional," Ma said.

But there is still room for improvement, she added.

"One area is to broaden our channels for talent selection and provide more platforms for kids who are interested in, or already involved in, cycling. I think giving them more opportunities is important."

On Oct 25, Sun Sibei of Hebei province won the gold medal in the women's cycling BMX freestyle with a score of 94.30 points.

Sun is the reigning world champion, having won the gold medal at the Union Cycliste Internationale Urban Cycling World Championships 2025.

She also was previously a silver medalist at the 2023 UCI BMX Freestyle World Championships and 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships.

Sun narrowly missed out on reaching last year's Paris Olympics, following which, she admits to falling into a period of self-doubt.

The Team China BMX freestyle squad was first assembled in 2018, and, within six years, the youngsters have won numerous awards.

"Winning gold at the National Games is just a small dream that came true. I haven't achieved my bigger dream yet," Sun said.

"My big dream is to stand on the highest podium step at the Olympics. I see taking the National Games gold medal as a new starting point toward my greater Olympic dream."

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn