Paris Olympics News: Despite Heartbreak at Tokyo, US Freestyle Icon Calls Himself “Competitive Rider” Ahead Of Summer Olympics

A promise to deliver a thrilling affair was made by the BMX Freestyle team on its debut at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Inarguably, the riders have wowed the world and given a new sport to hail. The Paris Olympics 2024 will be BMX Freestyle’s second Summer Games appearance. So, besides the reigning champs vying for the titles, there would be contenders who missed the Tokyo finals by a fraction.

One name is Nick Bruce, who has been associated with this sport for over ten years now and was qualified for Tokyo. “It’s still something I can’t fathom”, says the BMX specialist. But just an inch closer to his dreams, an unforeseen shoulder injury on the second practice day pestled everything. But did he lose hope? No. At least that’s what his following statements assert.

Paris Olympics 2024 aspirant Nick Bruce is on his way to the top

Bruce, along with his 10 years younger counterpart Marcus Christopher, trains at “the Brewhouse”. On the east part of Cleveland, the non-descript warehouse was transformed into a BMX training arena. For a couple of years, Nick’s brainchild, which he built in only 4 weeks, has witnessed two American stars in action. But Bruce’s Tokyo setback still occupies his thoughts distinctly. “The only disappointment was not being able to showcase the world of what I actually do…I know I’m a competitive rider. I know I’m medal capable”, said he.

The 31-year-old has been on and off for back-to-back injuries but never skipped delivering a spectacle on his return. Out of the two Ohio men vying for the Olympic spots, he would be one. In May, a Shanghai event will pose as a qualifier, and another in Budapest in June. On his preparation journey, Nick has not only ameliorated himself but also motivated the young gun.

Bruce and Christopher’s bond reignited Olympic dreams

“It’s truly just inspiring. Because when you get, I guess, later in your career, you just get stuck in different routines and this certain headspace of only calculation or only calculated risk. And then you see the young guys just throwing themselves without any calculation and you’re like, man, I remember when I was like that. But then you’re like, well, you are actually capable of that”, said Bruce about Christopher.

Interestingly, the two legends, ten years apart but training together like mentor and mentee, would be head-on in the qualifiers. The two Ohio men added to the roster are Nick Bruce and Marcus Christopher. According to a recent news release, USA Cycling announced that 12 men and 12 women would take part in the freestyle event. At the end of the series, the highest-ranked athletes will move forward.

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