Dive into the mind of Declan Brooks, a talented BMX rider who clinched a bronze medal at the Olympic Games. Learn about the defining moments and the mental fortitude it took to succeed on the world’s biggest stage.
Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey in BMX?
Hey, I’m Declan Brooks, Bmx rider and Olympic bronze medallist. I have been riding Bmx for 18 years since I was 9 Years old. I got into Riding BMX through my dads love for the passion of two wheels. I started out just loving the feeling of riding and naturally got better over the years. When I was 16 years old I competed all over the globe and was winning international competitions. At this point I knew there was a career for me in this sport professionally. I worked tirelessly over the coming years to make it work.
What was it like to compete in the Olympics for the first time, especially with BMX freestyle making its debut?
Getting to compete in Tokyo for the first ever BMX freestyle event was something special. I never got into BMX to go to the Olympics but in 2018 I had the opportunity to be part of the British cycling team that would try to qualify for Tokyo. The next two years went great and I qualified the UK a spot to head to the games.
Winning the bronze medal at Tokyo was a huge achievement. Can you walk us through your emotions and thoughts when you realised you had won?
Right after I finished my second run in Tokyo which put me into the silver medal position I was so pumped. But there were several riders left which I knew could beat this score if they had their best day. Daniel Dhers beat my score by 1 point which then put me into bronze position. A few more riders dropped in but no one could fight to beat it. This was such a nervous wait which feels like it took an eternity. The Podium ceremony after seems like such a blur as I was still in so much shock. It honestly feels like it didn't happen to me.
What was it like supporting Team GB this year? Any standout moments or experiences you’d like to share?
To go to Paris as a spectator was a feeling I've never experienced. Normally I am competing so I rarely know what it’s like to watch a BMX event. I was actually so nervous. When you are there competing you watch all your competitors so you know what everyone can do. I didn't watch practice and only watched the competition so I didn't know what everyone could do and actually would do. My teammate Kieran Reilly was one of the 3 favourites there and I knew what he could do. I just really wanted it to come all together for him on the day. Everyone competing is there because they are the best riders in the world so theoretically anyone could take it on the day. There were a lot of upsets and riders crashed who are normally super dialed including returning gold medallist Logan Martin did not finish 2 runs so didn't get a score on the board. An underdog from Argentina took the gold and did the perfect run. It was so sick! Kieran took 2nd and the french beast Anthony Jeanjean took 3rd.
Looking back on your career so far, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned from competing at such a high level?
I’ve learnt so much from competing along the way. Elite sport is such a rollercoaster and a hell of a journey. In BMX literally anyone could win on the day. It's all about holding your nerve, going back to ques and skills you've worked on behind the scenes. You have to be bold and have a go for it attitude. Don't be afraid to fail as this is when you learn the most.
What advice would you give young aspiring BMX riders who dream of competing in the olympics?
DREAM BIG, because one day in the future all your hard work will come to fruition and you'll be standing on that olympic deck waiting to drop in. Remember where you come from and the journey you’ve had to get there.
