GREENWOOD DISTRICT — Kamren Larsen, a dedicated BMX racing athlete, embarked on his journey at the age of five and turned professional by 18. Inspired by the 2012 London Olympics, Larsen’s path has been marked by numerous challenges, including multiple surgeries and crashes.
“It’s been a lot of ups and downs, surgeries, crashes, and wins. And overall, it just took a lot of resilience,” Kamren Larsen told The Black Wall Street Times. It’s his resilience and commitment that has led to remarkable success.
Triumphs on the Global Stage: Pan American Gold and Olympic Dreams
Larsen, now 24, boasts significant achievements, including gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2023 Pan American Championships.
His career reached a pinnacle on June 18, 2024, when he was officially selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
This milestone signifies a personal triumph and marks a historic moment for diversity in BMX racing, as Kamren Larsen becomes the first Black American BMX racing athlete to represent Team USA at an Olympic Games.
“There hasn’t been – I guess, somebody to look up to, being African American in my sport. And I’m very proud and honored to be the first BMX racing athlete for Team USA [at an Olympic Games] that is African American.”
Kamren Larsen Inspiring the Future: Larsen’s Message of Hope and Determination
Reflecting on his journey, Larsen expressed his pride in his heritage and his desire to inspire young athletes, particularly those in Tulsa’s BMX R.I.S.E. program.
“I know the R.I.S.E. program is huge for USA BMX and the foundation to give kids hope,” the Olympian added.
R.I.S.E. is a Terence Crutcher Foundation and USA BMX Foundation STEAM program that focuses on positive youth development. The collaboration provides educational programs, mentoring, and BMX biking activities to empower young people, particularly those from communities.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Kamren Larsen’s historic achievement as the first African American to represent BMX at the Olympic Games! Kamren’s dedication, talent, and perseverance embody the spirit of the R.I.S.E. program,” Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, executive director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, said.
“Kamren’s groundbreaking journey inspires us all and paves the way for future generations of kids who look like him by being the first,” she adds.
Kamren Larsen’s message to future BMX athletes is, “Dream big. You can get wherever you want to be, even if the path isn’t paved yet. As long as you work hard, stay disciplined, and just try to get better each and every day, you can do it.”
The program runs from June to August, with a maximum of 50 kids per week. Lunch, bikes, helmets, and swag items are provided for the youngsters. Furthermore, scholarships are available, especially for children in specific zip codes.
“We have an opportunity for your children to attend our summer camp program,” Ray Hoyt, the executive director of the USA BMX Foundation, shared with The Black Wall Street Times.
“Take advantage of these last two weeks of our summer camp program. If you don’t have a bike or helmet, it doesn’t matter. We have all that for you. All you need to do is sign up, come in on Monday, and we’ll take care of your child for five days,” Hoyt adds.
A Celebration of Achievement: USA BMX Olympics Send-Off Party
In celebration of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, USA BMX hosted an Olympics Send-Off Party at the USA BMX Headquarters in the USA BMX Hall of Fame and Hardesty National BMX Stadium, located in the historic Greenwood District – once dubbed Black Wall Street by Booker T. Washington.
Four of the five BMX athletes heading to the Olympics were present at the send-off event, including Alise Willoughby, Daleny Vaughn, Cameron Wood, and Kamren Larsen. It was the final gathering for the BMX community to offer their well-wishes and support before the athletes departed for Paris to compete for gold.
Kamren Larsen’s journey and the location of the send-off event underscored the significance of hard work, resilience, and the power of dreaming big, inspiring the next generation of BMX racers and reinforcing the importance of diversity in sports.
I am spectator fan of road cycling. Mountain biking. Never BMX. Even when BMX entered as an official Olympic sport.
As a spectator, I see BMX as a sport for young white boys. They would build tracks in their backyards or vacant lots. It became professional. I do not see it as a racist sport. Kind of like surfing.
After reading this BWS Times article about this impressive Black cyclist, I will now watch BMX. Specifically to support him.
Go, USA!