[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/07/29/ypwr_olympic.art_mikeday.jpg
caption=”Mike Day, 23, is a member of the U.S. BMX Olympic team.”]
BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross. This summer BMX is adorned with the Olympic rings. It’s the first time BMX has been included as an Olympic sport. Mike Day couldn’t wait for the day that was the case.
Mike, now 23, won his first race on his ninth birthday. He turned professional in 2002. His goal wasn’t to go to the Olympics though, since they only recently announced Olympic BMX trials. Initially, all he wanted was to gain the respect of his friends’ families. Mike remembers one friend’s dad saying, “Watching you guys back in the day, I never would’ve dreamed BMX would have taken you this far.”
Now that it has, Mike is ready for the gold. He looks at every day, and all the training that comes with it, not as a burden but as fun. Mike simply says, “I have the best life ever.”
Update: Watch the CNN.com Live interview
Young People Who Rock 
I am going to be watching Mike and the other BMX racers. I have a 10-yr old grandson who is a 10-novice with the National Bicycle League (NBL) and he won his first race at the age of 7. He is in his 4th season and has the talent to be an olympian some day. Lance started in BMX and look what he accomplished. I look forward to a very positive result from our BMX Olympic team.
I have been a big fan of BMX since I was in junior high. I’m now 37, so you do the math. And yes, I still wear Vans.
I have to admit, seeing BMX on a TV commercial for the Olympics gave me chills. Good luck, Mike, we’ll be rooting for you.
I am so glad to se BMX in the Olympics. Go USA!
Finally, after 30 years, BMX and its riders get some well-deserved respect. Best of luck to you Mike, I’ll be rooting for you in August!
BMX is such a great sport. I did it when I was a kid 25 years ago. I hope it gets the attention it deserves!
I wish my friend, Dennis Dayrit, the 13-year-old expert 1985 BMX World Champion, could have been around to witness this exciting event. He passed away 3 years ago, but I’m sure he’ll be watching from above. I never saw him ride, but he was an awesome wrestler. Good luck to you, Mike.
I was pulled into the BMX scene a year ago by my husband and two daughters (6 & 8) who race, and it has been a ride like no other. I want to wish the USA BMX team the best and thank you for showing the world our sport. Bring home the Gold!!
Mike won Silver! Congrats Mike!
Hey Mike! My family and I are so proud of you!! You went from 9 year old tyke to super biking champion. Hope to see you at the Grands!—-Munoz Family
I grew up with mike and bubba and everybody out in Palmdale and Santa Clarita. We were No Mercy racing in Palmdale. Its cool to see these guys finaly get the big break they have had coming for a long time. Its just to bad i couldn’t be apart of it with them.
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