He’s only been competing on his bike for five years, but Ben Bradford already has his sights set on the 2008 Summer Olympics in China.
‘That will be the first year BMX racing will be in the Olympics,? said the 16-year-old Oxford High School student.
Bradford became National Bicycle League (NBL) state champion in September, competing against 15 of the top NBL-BMX expert-class riders in Michigan.
He continued to blaze a trail toward his Olympic goal by besting riders from Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to win the championship title at the NBL regional finals held in October.
Bradford said the hardest part about competing on the 1,200 foot track of mougals (bumps) and jumps is not outperforming his opponents, it’s convincing himself he can win.
‘It’s all in your head,? he said. ‘You know you can do it ? you just have to convince yourself you can.?
Being aware of your surroundings and where the other riders are in relation to you is the most important part of a race, according to Bradford, because twice he’s been knocked out of qualifying rounds after being hit by other racers. Last year, he was unable to compete in the national finals because another racer knocked him down.
‘Once you’re down, you’re out of the race,? Bradford said.
Bradford became passionate about BMX riding after his dad, Larry Bradford, took him to a race in Waterford when he was 10 years old.
He went home, set up a race track and never looked back. He only looked forward to his dream of becoming a professional BMX racer. ‘I get a log of enjoyment out of riding,? he said.
Soon Bradford was picked up by a Waterford racing team, Motor City Super Cross, which just recently turned ‘factory,? which means it’s now competing in tougher competitions, facing more-skilled riding opponents. It also means the team is now receiving sponsorships from super-cross manufacturers.
Ever since he learned that BMX racing will be a sport in the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bradford has devoted every aspect of his life to biking and competing in the Olympic Games.
In addition to practicing on the Waterford team’s track, Bradford recently began endurance and strength training at the high school gym. He spends his free time riding trails he built and maintains at home and working at Main Street Bicycles in Oxford.
Bradford and his parents will head to Morristown, Tennessee later this month to compete in the NBL National Thanksgiving race.
‘I’m just glad he found something he’s so passionate about,? said mother Teddi Bradford.
‘It makes him happy, keeps him out of trouble and physically fit,? she said watching her son burst 10 feet into air off a half-pipe (ramp) and execute a perfect landing.
‘It’s our way of life now,? mom said.