Yeah. Today was a pretty big deal in Olympic BMX. That’s because today was the first time an American has won gold in the event that was invented in the United States.
The USA’s Connor Fields (of Las Vegas, Nevada) was one of four American riders who made it into the final medal round in men’s BMX. After getting what he called the best start of his life it made it first to the line for the gold.
“It was in the final turn that I realized these last 17+ years of riding all came down to this one moment,” Fields said about the last 70 meters to the finish. “My experience in London taught me that it doesn’t matter how you get to the finals, it doesn’t matter what gate – everyone has a chance. I had the best start of my life in that final and today was my day. My chance.”
Connor wasn’t the only American to medal. In the women’s event Minnesota’s Alise Post landed a silver medal. American’s also finished in fourth place in both the Men’s and Women’s events. Not a bad day for USA BMX. For the official word, please follow the jump.
USA’s Connor Fields Makes History and Becomes First American to Win Gold in BMX Racing; Alise Post First Women’s Silver
Gilbert, Ariz. — USA’s BMX Racing team was represented by five racers where four advanced to today’s finals and two rode away with medals. Connor Fields of Las Vegas not only won gold, but made history today as the first American to do so in the sport that was first established in the United States. Minnesota’s Alise Post made her second Olympic appearance and also made U.S. history with a first silver medal for the women’s field. Corben Sharrah just missed his spot to the finals with a fourth place finish in semi-finals while Nic Long and Brooke Crain barely missed the podium with 4th place finishes in the final – Long missing bronze by 1/100th of a point.
“It was in the final turn that I realized these last 17+ years of riding all came down to this one moment,” Fields said about the last 70 meters to the finish. “My experience in London taught me that it doesn’t matter how you get to the finals, it doesn’t matter what gate – everyone has a chance. I had the best start of my life in that final and today was my day. My chance.”
When asked what it meant for him and BMX to get the first gold medal in the sport for the United States, Connor simply said: “I can’t wait to get home and share this with everyone who helped me get here today, and I hope it gets kids on bikes and to their local track. BMX is a fun sport.”
Alise Post said: “I came here hoping for a gold medal, and here I am with a silver, and I’m 100% proud of my effort today – feels like a win to me. It is such an amazing honor to be here today wearing the stars and stripes, and I really hope this gets kids watching at home excited to get to the local tracks just like we did.”
Engaged to Australia world champion, Sam Willoughby, who won gold in London but finished sixth today in the final, Post said: “Sam is disappointed, but he wants me to enjoy my day. At the end of the day, we’re both extremely good bike riders, and I’m proud of us and can’t wait to tie the knot in April.”
Team USA won three medals in Beijing 2008, was shut out of the medal count in London 2012, and this year with four of the five 2012 squad returning for their second Olympics, their successful medal quest was about redemption and making history.
Photo Credit: Phil Beckman
For more information on USA BMX or to find a local track near you, log on to www.usabmx.com.
About USA BMX
Formed in 1977 as The American Bicycle Association, USA BMX is headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona, and organizes BMX racing for boys, girls and adults throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. With more than 70,000 active members who compete on a weekly basis at more than 350 racing facilities in 49 states, the family-oriented Olympic sport of BMX Racing continues to grow. With a 29-event national race schedule, USA BMX is the largest promoter of action sports in the country.
