Hannah Roberts, the freestyle BMX star, is gearing up for the Paris Olympics with determination after winning silver in Tokyo. Roberts, aged 22, is a dominant force in the sport, having secured her fifth world title recently. She is considered a heavy favorite to clinch Olympic gold at the upcoming competition at the urban sports park in Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Renowned X Games athlete, Ryan Nyquist, who coaches the American BMX team, praises Roberts for her exceptional skills and ability to perform tricks that few other female riders can master. Roberts’ confidence is high following her consecutive world titles and victories in the World Cup events leading up to the Olympics.
In Tokyo, Roberts seemed destined for gold after an impressive start in the finals, but a stellar performance by Britain’s Charlotte Worthington ultimately landed Roberts the silver medal. Despite the disappointment, Roberts views the experience as a humbling lesson that motivated her to work even harder for success.
Roberts’ journey in BMX began in Michigan, where she honed her skills at a local BMX park run by her cousin. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning her first world championship at 17 and continuing to break barriers in the sport. Despite facing personal challenges off the bike, including a divorce, Roberts has remained focused on pushing boundaries and enjoying the process of growth in her career.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Roberts is focused on embracing the journey rather than fixating solely on the end results. The setbacks she faced in Tokyo have fueled her determination to succeed in Paris and continue her legacy as one of the top athletes in freestyle BMX.
