Hannah Roberts: From Silver to Golden Aspirations in BMX

Hannah Roberts, the world's premier freestyle BMX rider, is determined to win the elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics after claiming silver in Tokyo. Driven by past setbacks, the 22-year-old has honed her skills and continues to set new standards in her sport, all while advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.

Hannah Roberts exuded calm as she relaxed on a Michigan porch ahead of the Paris Olympics, content with her rigorous preparation for the gold medal that eluded her in Tokyo.

For the past three years, Roberts, the preeminent freestyle BMX rider of her generation, has been driven by the silver medal she brought home instead.

"If I'm being honest," Roberts told The Associated Press while babysitting rambunctious kids, "whether silver or bronze wouldn't make too much difference. It's probably better I didn't win gold the first time because it kept my motivation going."

At 22, Roberts, fresh off her fifth world title in seven years, is a heavy favorite to win Olympic gold. The competition kicks off Tuesday at the urban sports park at Paris's Place de la Concorde.

"Hannah is setting the pace," said Ryan Nyquist, the freestyle BMX legend and American team coach. "Riders see her do things they think are impossible. When she learns a trick, it's often a first for female riders."

Roberts was favored for freestyle BMX's Tokyo debut, having won world titles in 2019 and 2021, and sweeping the World Cup circuit. She led the seeding rounds but was edged out in the finals by Charlotte Worthington's remarkable ride, resulting in Roberts settling for silver after a crash in her final run.

"Winning gold would have made me complacent," Roberts reflected. "Losing drove me to train harder."

Roberts, raised in Buchanan, Michigan, was inspired by her cousin, pro BMX rider Brett Banasiewicz. She excelled early, winning her first world title at 17 and repeatedly dominating the sport.

The pandemic delayed her Olympic march, and Worthington's ride ended her gold pursuit. "Hannah was the favorite, and losing was a shock," said Nyquist. The setback fueled her, though personal challenges, including a divorce, tested her focus. Yet she secured three more world titles, most recently in Glasgow with her family and girlfriend's support.

"I'm focusing on the journey, not just results," Roberts said. "The last Olympics changed my perspective and helped me grow."

(With inputs from agencies.)