BMX takes off in Chile

These are BMX cyclists in Santiago, Chile. They were at World BMX day. The cyclists rode their bikes together.

For Diego Galdames, the BMX community is like a family.

Diego Galdames: "For me, being a rider is being free. You get on your bike, and it's as if you entered a world apart. You begin to enjoy it. And all the people who practise this sport then start to be your family and more than just people you know."

BMX started in California in the 1970s. It was popular with young people. It became a sport in 1981.

BMX was a sport in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There was a track with jumps for cyclists. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, there was freestyle BMX. Freestyle BMX includes dangerous tricks.

Ivan Galdames says that BMX makes him feel free.

Iván Galdames: "Well, the truth is that BMX is a lifestyle because it can be done on the street, on a ramp - it's super free. Everyone looks for their modality where it suits them best. As I told you, it's a lifestyle because every moment that I do it, I disconnect from any situation, whether good or bad. It's just me and my bike."

BMX isn't expensive. It's for everyone. It's a sport for beginners and experts.

Claudio Rodriguez wants more people to do BMX.

Claudio Rodriguez: "This event is meant to celebrate BMX, and motivate many people to practise it. Make it known in different parts of the city and make the sport as popular as possible."

BMX is very popular in Chile. They made a BMX park in Santa Fe city. In November 2022, the World BMX Championships will be there.

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