| The BMX bike has enjoyed a remarkable rise to | | | | versatile with both freestyle and racing versions |
| fame. Thought to have originated in southern | | | | of the sport competing to high levels pretty much |
| California nearly 40 years ago and now taking its | | | | world wide. |
| place across the world in China's hosting of the | | | | In June 2008, 45 spots were awarded to 17 |
| Olympic Games is nothing short of astonishing. | | | | nations for the Elite men category and 11 nations |
| BMX or bicycle motocross to give its full name | | | | in the Elite women category for the Beijing |
| has become an Olympic sport for the first time in | | | | Games. This year its only the racing side of BMX |
| 2008. BMX bikes first burst onto the scene in the | | | | that the Olympics is hosting but it is probably only |
| early seventies and have grown in popularity ever | | | | a matter of time as the BMX profile goes from |
| since, culminating in this year's debut appearance | | | | strength to strength before the sport enjoys |
| at the Beijing Olympic Games. | | | | even more events and exposure at future |
| Growing interest in extreme sports generally has | | | | Games. |
| clearly helped this two wheeled (in particular | | | | Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st August 2008 |
| where freestyle is concerned) success story. | | | | are the dates all BMX fans worldwide will be |
| Video game culture has also encouraged interest | | | | looking forward to as their beloved sport makes |
| with a string of BMX titles in recent years, some | | | | its bow at the Olympics with qualifying, seeding |
| of which I have enjoyed playing myself. The | | | | and quarter final runs all taking place for both men |
| positive sales figures from these games, in turn | | | | and women on day one. |
| making some riders household names and | | | | So it's welcome to the Olympic Games for all |
| celebrities, far beyond what could have been | | | | things BMX. The wheels are showing no signs of |
| imagined when kids first started asking Santa | | | | slowing down, let alone falling off. |
| Claus for a at Christmas. | | | | An amazing rise in popularity for the humble BMX |
| Relatively small and easy to manoeuvre and with | | | | bike as it takes its place on the Olympic rostrum. |
| a host of off road places to ride, the BMX is very | | | | |