Charlotte Worthington’s BMX Journey to Olympic Gold
A skateboard and music festival that launched the career of Olympic BMX Freestyle champion Charlotte Worthington was cancelled this year due to rising costs.
Unexpected Olympic Glory
But the 28-year-old wheelie wonder will always be grateful to the previously annual event in Somerset for setting her on the road to success.
Three years ago in Tokyo, Worthington claimed one of Team GB’s 22 gold medals but notably the first ever by a Brit and in a sport making its Games debut.
Now, she heads to Paris looking to defend a crown she never expected to wear as a teenager growing up in Manchester.
A Late Start in BMX
“I didn’t pick up BMX full-time until I was 19,” says Worthington, then working as a chef. “I used to ride scooters before.”
“It is the same kind of sport with the same basics. It hinders you in some ways, but it massively benefits you in others,” she told SportsBoom.com.
“At the time, I worked in a kitchen so it was something like a new hobby I enjoyed and thought, I might be quite good at this.”
“Then, I went to this festival called NAAS festival which was probably the biggest action sports competition at the time.”
A Life-Changing Festival Encounter
“I bumped into a few people who happened to tell me British Cycling was forming an Olympic team for the Tokyo Games and here was a number to call.”
“I thought ‘worst case scenario I get a free trip to North Carolina with my bike and meet some cool people.’ As it happened, I got the trip and got selected for the team.”
Seizing the Opportunity
Worthington made the most of her opportunity, securing top spot on the podium, helped by a groundbreaking 360-degree backflip-the first ever by a female rider.
The intervening years have seen her re-think her career and focus. With only modest results to rely on, Worthington’s place in the squad was only confirmed at the start of July.
She expects competition to be much fiercer than it was in the Japanese capital.
But win or lose, Worthington knows her talents lie away from the kitchen.
From the Kitchen to Tokyo and Beyond
“I started as a glass collector because my dad was asking around if anyone had any work as a side job,” she recalls of her time in a variety of South Manchester restaurants.
“But I didn’t have any ideas about becoming a chef. It was fun for a little bit while I did it, but I wouldn’t want to do it for the rest of my life.”
“At College, I was interested in cameras and studied photography and media. I thought I might be interested in filming or video editing.”
“When I started to do it as a job, I didn’t enjoy it as much. I liked to do things in my own way rather than make something someone else wanted.”
Preparing for Paris 2024
But she knows all cameras will be locked onto to her later this month looking to capture any new trick that might help her retain her Olympic title.
Worthington is an athlete ambassador for Bridgestone. Bridgestone is a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner and have announced its ‘Prepared to Perform’ campaign for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Through this campaign, Bridgestone wants to honour and highlight the diligence and determination of athletes on their way to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and supports them in their preparation for Paris 2024.
As athlete ambassador, Charlotte Worthington personifies the effort, dedication and perseverance needed to become a champion.
With thanks to Sportsboom.com
