“Always Wanted Tigers”: 2023 BMX World Champion Unveils Reason Behind His Childhood Obsession

Kieran Reilly, the BMX World Champion, has made his way into the ‘notable names of the cycling industry’ with his impressive tricks. From landing two full spins as an 11-year-old to landing the world’s first-ever triple flair, Reilly has established a memorable name. However, while his performance demanding sheer balance and careful execution catches people’s eyes, that isn’t all that stands out.

Anyone looking at Reilly would catch one particular thing about his appearance. Besides his stature on the field, Reilly’s bold choice of tattoos would stick out to the audience. After clinching European games title, the 22-year-old returned to being a champion again in August at the World Championships in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The youngster had answers ready to quench the curious minds of the spectators eyeing his body art.

The BMX champion reveals the meaning behind his tattoos

Kieran Reilly, the British cyclist, leaves an impression with his first appearance. The 22-year-old has both his arms covered in tattoos excluding the one on his back that depicts a tiger. As he returned home etching his name in the cycling industry, the youngster was up for an interview with the Olympics website. While revealing the driving forces in his life leading him towards the sport, Reilly also spoke about his tattoos; specifically, the tiger.

“Growing up, I just always wanted tigers. Everyone I looked up to, all the athletes were tattooed. My dad got tattoos, and I’ve always loved his. I’ve always wanted tattoos because it’s been the aesthetic of all the people I idolized,” Reilly said; according to Olympics.com. As much as the tattoos depict his toughness, Reilly also encloses the heart-warming reasons behind it.

The rider further added that he resonated with the tiger personally. “The tiger on my back is definitely something I’d like to compare myself to. Having like a bit of a tiger and having that drive…” Reilly said. The star athlete, standing by his definition, has proved his determination and capability.

Also Read: 250 Little Pedalers Captured Hearts at the 2023 Strider Cup in Arkansas

Reilley proves his ‘drive’

Redbull defines Kieran Reilly as “one of the most explosive comp riders on the BMX park scene” and the rider has stood worthy of it. Reilly started as a junior marking his career beginning at the FISE in 2018. Ever since, the 22-year-old has only added new feats to his name. First, he starred in Drew Bezanson’s Red Bull Uncontained 2019-winning team and then landed the world’s first-ever triple flair.

“In BMX, massive milestones have been things like flips – the first double flip, the first triple flip – and there’s a similar momentum now with flairs. The next milestone in flairs was the triple and I really wanted to be the first person to take it there.” Reilly said talking to Redbull. He added that he started practicing for the stunt in May 2021 and finally succeeded a year later in August 2022.

With his determination, Reilly has proved to excel at whatever stand he sets foot in. In the 2022 European Games, Reilly ended the contest with a silver. However, going back to it in 2023, the youngster returned with a gold. The feat was further followed by his win at the BMX World Championships. Scoring a neat 95.80 on his second run, Reilly ran to be the reigning champion. Having conquered the best of the sporting world through his 10-year career, Reilly now aims to land a foot in 2024 Paris Olympics. He revealed that if he were to qualify for the Olympics, he would get the rings tattooed next. If things continue as they currently persist, the eager fans might as well see the Olympic rings etched on the champion soon.

Watch This Story: The New Northaven Trail Bridge: A Marvelous Addition for Cycling Enthusiasts