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The BMX World Champion, Kieran Reilly has been part of the sport for well over a decade. The 22-year-old has remained persistent in sticking to his passion and interests. It was the 720 spin in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2012 that brought him recognition in BMX. Since then, Reilly has only worked his way upward into the sporting world.

Recently, Reilly added another feat to his existing many. The year has been rewarding to the youngster who not only aced the European Games but also the World Championships. Though he has remained in the industry for long, he did not begin his professional career until late. Talking about his early feats, Reilly opened up on his reasons for the quick switch and subsequent success.

The adrenaline-connection of BMX champion

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After the 22-year-old earned his way to the rainbow jersey at the World Championships, the youngster got on an interview with Olympics.com. Kieran revealed that it was his confidence and mindset that pushed him into the competition. However, his reason for initially starting to get into the sport as a 9-year-old was an interesting addiction. In his words, “I think I was definitely addicted to the adrenaline rush, I had this like addiction to the adrenaline and learning new things that made me want to push myself.?

via Imago

The cyclist further said, speaking to the Olympics.com,?I got quite addicted to the adrenalin and learning new things, and it has just never stopped. When I’m in a park, I’m progressing to the best I can be because I enjoy competition, but I’m also doing that because I enjoy the process.? Ever since picking up his BMX bike as a 9-year-old, the youngster has never stopped learning. With his eagerness to progress into a new trick every day, Reilly has managed to establish his career.

Reilly’s journey to the championships

Kieran started his professional journey in 2020 as he moved to practice with Team GB members who form the cycling BMX team. And in 2022, he attained something no cyclist had attained ever before. Following his adrenalin, Reilly became the first rider to land a triple kick flair; which includes three full backflips and a 180-degree rotation at the end.

Continuing with this momentum, Kieran went on to participate and dominate the first biggest event of his career – the 2022 European BMX Championships in Munich; where he earned a silver.

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It took the 22-year-old only a year more to convert the silver into a prize much bigger. In June, he competed at the 2023 European Games. To attain the gold, Reilly contested in the men’s BMX freestyle park in Krzeszowice against 30 riders. Not two months into the success, Kieran was heading for the peak.

In August, Reilly went in to perform at the 2023 World Championships where it all started – Glasgow. With still 6 riders to reel in their numbers, the champion knew the title was his after completing his stellar 2nd run with a total of 95.80.

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In spite of all these achievements, Cycling hasn’t just been about the competitions for Reilly. The youngster has yearned to learn new and better things with each ride. ?I know I’m going to have the most fun if I’m learning something new and push myself.”?Going forward, Reilly aims to get his hands on the spot at the Paris 2024.

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