BMX makes its debut at Olympics in Beijing
20/8/2008 18:00
BMX (Bicycle Motocross) made its debut in Olympics at the Bejing Games in
Beijing today as 16 women and men cruised into tomorrow's semifinals
apiece.
Americans dominated the men's race with all three riders qualified
for the semifinals, which boosted their confidence to win the gold.
"I don't
want to just make it in the semifinals, I want to win. " three-time world
champion Donny Robinson said.
Mike Day topped the table after winning all
three runs with his best time of 36.080 seconds, followed by Robison who placed
third in the first heat. Kyle Bennett also made a spot in tomorrow's semifinals,
even he had a crash in the second run.
Since BMX originated from the state of
California of United States, the American riders welcomed their involvement in
the Olympics.
"This is my chance to show the world what BMX is all about.
It's amazing that we're here. I'm honoured to be a part of this historic
milestone." said Robinson, the world's top-ranked BMX racer.
"Having BMX in
the Olympics allows us to have our sport be considered a big-time deal. We
aren't punk kids that tear up shopping centers. This is our passion and our
whole lives, and now we have the chance to show what we can do on the biggest
athletic stage ever." He added.
In the women's edition, Anne Caroline
Chausson of France took the lead in the three-run seeding race with a best time
of 36. 660 seconds, beating two-time reigning BMX world champion Shanaze Reade
of Britain to the second place in 36.882.
"Mentally, I was prepared, but then
I did it (crashed) and I washed out. I don't know why I fell. We looked at the
video. It's just one of those things. That's BMX," explained Reade.
Another
French rider Laetitia Le Corguille placed third, followed by Sarah Walker of New
Zealand in the fourth.
China's solo contender Ma Liyun tried her best, but
only finished last in 42.015.
"I did my best. Even the result was not that
good, I still do not think we lagged two much behind, " said Ma, who competed in
the Olympics with a wild card after China failed booking a berth for the Beijing
Games.
BMX was brought to China in late 1990s. China organized its first
national team in 2003 and Ma was enrolled to the team and won China its first
international competition gold in 2003 Asian Championship in Thailand.
"I
have confidence that more and more young kids will like this game, and one day,
We will make our place in the international field, " Ma added.
BMX is
originated in the state of California, United States in the early 1970s, by
teenagers imitating their motocross heroes on their bicycles. In 2003, the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) made BMX part of the competition program
of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The medal races of the Olympic newcomer will be
held tomorrow.
Xinhua
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