BMX takes off in Chile

BMX bikers in Santiago, Chile are celebrating World BMX day. They were accompanied by the police as they rode through the city streets. They had competitions in Santiago's squares.

Chilean BMX rider Diego Galdames appreciates the unity of the sport.

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."

Southern California is the birthplace of BMX. It began with kids in the 1970s on their bikes, who were copying motorcycle racing. It grew in popularity and by 1981 it was an official sport.

The 2008 Olympics in Beijing built a BMX track with bumps and jumps. By 2020 in the Tokyo Olympics, the sport expanded to freestyle BMX with its exciting tricks and spins.

Ivan Galdames thinks BMX is diverse and welcoming. He says the sport gives him a feeling of freedom.

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 welcomes all ages and abilities with contests for beginners to experts. A low cost sport, it's open to everyone.

Claudio Rodriguez hopes BMX will gain more popularity.

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."

As BMX grows in popularity in Chile, the city of Santa Fe has constructed a bike park which will be the venue of the November 2022 World Championships.

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