Kayla McCormick is on the path to BMX stardom

Meet Kayla McCormick: From humble beginnings riding around logan her neighbourhood  to her incredible journey through our Youfor2032 Talent Identification Program, Kayla's love for riding bikes has propelled her to new heights. At just 14 years old, Kayla is making waves in the BMX freestyle scene, transitioning from BMX racing to freestyle and clinching two national titles.

In this exclusive Q&A article, Kayla opens about her training routine, balancing school and sports, and her determination to chase her Olympic dreams. Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Kayla McCormick, a young athlete with grit, passion, and the drive to succeed.

What sparked your love for BMX, and how has your passion evolved?

I've been passionate about riding bikes since I was a little kid in my neighbourhood. When I was six years old, I started doing BMX racing at a local club in Logan. My passion for riding evolved when I was identified as an Olympic prospect for BMX freestyle by the QAS Youfor2032 Talent Identification Program. Through the program, I've transitioned into BMX freestyle. The tight-knit inclusive and supportive community surrounding the sport further fuels my passion, which excites me to be a rider.

How did it feel to be identified by QAS?

Getting identified by QAS was amazing. Going through the testing session, participating in BMX racing, and then receiving the results about where my skills stand compared to kids my age was a fantastic experience. Being identified to do BMX freestyle was great because it showed that my bike skills and what I've learned in BMX racing can be transferred to another form of riding, which I now greatly enjoy.

I find that now I am taking my BMX journey more seriously, and being able to train alongside world-class coaches and training in the Aus Cycling development team has been excellent.

It's not just about riding anymore; it's about pushing myself to new limits and reaching those podium spots.

The support and guidance I'm receiving now are at the next level, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me!

What would qualifying for the Olympics mean to you?

Qualifying for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics would be the ultimate dream come true! But for now, I'm laser-focused on training hard and navigating the competition schedule this year. Who knows, the LA2028 Olympic Games is more immediate and achievable, so either one would be amazing!

What does your daily routine look like as a BMX rider?

My typical weekly routine involves training with the AusCycling Junior Development coaching team, Chris and Natalya, and having private training sessions with my coach once a week. In addition to these structured training sessions, I also like to spend time riding by myself at the park.

How do you balance school and training?

Balancing school and training can be challenging, especially as I prepare for competitions. However, I am fortunate to attend a school that is supportive and accommodating of my athletic commitments. With the help of my family and school, I am able to manage my busy schedule effectively, ensuring that I can pursue my passion for BMX while also excelling in my studies.

What advice would you give to kids who want to try BMX or thinking of registering for the Youfor2032 program?

If you have a winning mindset and just want to give it a try, the Youfor2032 program is great.

For me, I was doing BMX racing, which, at the time, was a dangerous and repetitive sport. After doing it many times, I didn't feel the adrenaline anymore and I wanted to test to see if I can do another sport. So, when I was identified as having skills transferable to BMX freestyle this has pushed me to the next level in my sporting career, which I am really enjoying right now.

What are you currently focusing on in your training and what’s next for you?

Currently, I'm honing in on the technical aspects of riding to prepare for upcoming competitions. My focus is on refining my skills to perform at my best when it counts.

The theme for Queensland Youth Week is “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You”. What does being “bold and brave” mean to you in your athletic journey?

For me, it's simply about showing up and having a go.

When I first started, it took a lot of courage for me to start riding with the boys at local skate parks. At first, I felt like an outsider, but I quickly realised how inclusive and supportive the BMX community is.

While the boys may look fierce and older than me most of the time, I found that just by doing my thing, training hard, and doing tricks that showcase my skills, they truly support everyone who is willing to show up and give it a try.

If you're inspired by Kayla and you’re aged between 8-15, have a go and register online for the next Youfor2032 Daredevils BMX testing session in Redcliffe on April 12, 2024.

For more information and to register visit Daredevils - You for 2032 (initiatives.qld.gov.au)

Image Gallery