By Drew Cratchley
August 27th 2008 @ 1:30am
BMX not a kids sport, says Kamakazi
BMX is not a kids’ sport and deserves its place at the Olympic Games, the new Australian face of the sport says.
Kamakazi, formerly known as Jamie Hildebrandt, drew plenty of attention in Beijing, for his name, aggressive riding style and questionable pre-race tactics.
The 27-year-old was one of five Australians competing in Beijing, the first time BMX has been held at the Olympic Games.
Queenslander Jared Graves and West Australian Nicole Callisto were Australia’s best performers, progressing to their respective finals before both crashing out and finishing sixth.
The introduction of BMX to the Games has drawn a mixed response, with many enthused by its excitement but still cynical about its standing among other cycling disciplines.
But Kamakazi, who was unable to progress past the semi finals in Beijing, says the detractors don’t have a leg to stand on.
“You hear some people knock the sport, and to those people I say `get little Johnny up on the hill and push him down and see how good he does’,” the 27-year-old told AAP after arriving home today.
“It’s not a little kids’ sport. If you want to call it a little kids’ sport then so is running or swimming or anything like that. Any of those sports can be done in the backyard.”
The Brisbane-born boilermaker believes the sport will explode after the exposure of Beijing, and hopes to see a higher level of competition in Australia soon.
“I just think it’s great to have it legitimised,” Kamakazi said.
“We can stay within the sport and we don’t have to leave the sport to go to track cycling or road cycling.
“It’s lifted the profile for us, we’re getting more corporate interest in the sport, and hopefully it brings more kids to the sport and we can have a bigger league in Australia.”
Kamakazi intends to spend a few months away from competition before deciding whether to try for the London Games in 2012.
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