Team USA Olympics BMX Racer Cam Wood on the 'adrenaline rush' of competing | The Excerpt

Summary

Dana Taylor interviews Cam Wood, a 22-year-old BMX racer from Montana, about his journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wood shares his passion for BMX, the support from his family, and the challenges he's faced, including a major injury. He reflects on the growth of BMX racing, the increasing competition from European athletes, and the extreme nature of the sport. Wood also offers advice to aspiring athletes and expresses his excitement for competing in Paris and representing the USA.

Takeaways

• 🏆 BMX racing is a high-speed, high-stakes sport featured at the Olympics, with athletes reaching nearly 40 mph.
• 🌟 Cam Wood, a 22-year-old from Montana, is America's top hopeful in BMX racing for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• 🏅 Cam is a two-time World Cup champion and the current points leader for the US men's team.
• 🏞️ Cam's journey in BMX racing was significantly influenced by his family's move to Phoenix, which provided better racing conditions.
• 🔄 Despite being a traditionally strong BMX nation, the US has faced a transition period with European competitors rising in the sport.
• 💪 Cam emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief, especially coming from a small town and overcoming numerous losses.
• ⚠️ BMX racing is recognized as an extreme sport with inherent risks, including the potential for serious injury.
• 🤔 The script raises the question of whether the IOC's inclusion of extreme sports is driven by their risk and excitement factors.
• 🏥 Cam had a serious crash in May of the previous year, which sidelined him for 5-6 months and tested his resilience.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cam looks forward to sharing his Olympic experience with his family and those who have supported him throughout his journey.
• 🇺🇸 Wearing the USA jersey is a privilege and an honor for Cam, who sees representing his country at the Olympics as a lifelong dream.

Q & A

What is the significance of BMX racing being included in the Olympics?

BMX racing was added to the Olympics in 2008 as part of a strategy to attract a younger audience. It has been successful, as evidenced by the addition of other action sports like climbing, skateboarding, and surfing.

Who is Cam Wood and what is his current status in BMX racing?

Cam Wood is a 22-year-old BMX racer from Montana who is currently America's top hopeful for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is a two-time World Cup champion and the points leader for the US men's team.

What personal significance does the Olympics hold for Cam Wood?

The Olympics represent the pinnacle of BMX racing for Cam Wood. It has been a lifelong dream since he was seven years old when he watched BMX racing debut in the Olympics.

Why did Cam Wood choose to pursue BMX racing over other sports?

Cam Wood was drawn to BMX racing because of the adrenaline rush, the competitive nature of the sport, and the individual responsibility it entails, which he felt aligned well with his personality.

What was the critical decision that influenced Cam Wood's BMX racing career?

The critical decision was his family's relocation to Phoenix, which provided a better environment for BMX racing and was largely done to support his racing aspirations.

How has the competitive landscape of BMX racing changed in recent years?

In recent years, European athletes have become more competitive in BMX racing, possibly due to a transition period in the US where successful athletes were nearing the end of their careers.

What are Cam Wood's thoughts on the risks associated with BMX racing?

Cam acknowledges the risks involved in BMX racing, such as high speeds and contact with other racers, but believes that the experience and comfort with the sport grow with time.

What safety measures does Cam Wood take to mitigate the risks of BMX racing?

While the script does not detail specific safety measures, Cam mentions trusting his instincts and years of racing experience to adapt to new situations and manage risks.

How did Cam Wood's serious crash in May of the previous year affect his career?

The crash resulted in a five to six-month absence from competition and was the biggest hurdle he faced in his professional career, teaching him patience and resilience.

What advice does Cam Wood have for aspiring BMX racers?

Cam advises aspiring racers to maintain a strong belief in themselves, embrace resilience, face challenges head-on, and show up consistently, emphasizing the importance of learning from losses.

What is Cam Wood looking forward to the most about the Paris Olympics besides competing?

Cam is excited about sharing the experience with his family and close ones who will be present in Paris, as well as the privilege and honor of wearing the USA jersey at his first Olympic Games.

Outlines

00:00

🚴‍♂️ BMX Racing at the Paris Olympics

Dana Taylor introduces the segment discussing BMX Racing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, emphasizing the high stakes and potential dangers of the sport. BMX Racing was introduced to the Olympics in 2008 to attract younger audiences, a strategy that has proven successful. The segment features an interview with Cam Wood, a top American BMX racer, discussing his journey and the significance of the upcoming games.

05:01

🏞️ Growing Up and Finding BMX

Cam Wood shares his background, growing up in Montana and his early exposure to BMX Racing. He recalls watching BMX in the Olympics as a child and being inspired by American medalists. Wood reflects on his journey, from playing various sports to discovering a passion for the adrenaline and individual challenges of BMX Racing.

10:01

🚚 Family Support and Relocation

Cam Wood discusses the pivotal moment when his family relocated to Phoenix to support his BMX aspirations. He explains how the move from Montana, a state with limited BMX facilities, was crucial for his development and success in the sport. Wood credits his family's sacrifices and support as instrumental in his career.

🇺🇸 U.S. BMX Racing and Competition

Wood comments on the transition period in U.S. BMX Racing, noting the increased competition from European athletes. He explains that the U.S. is now in a strong position with talented racers like himself and Cam Larsson. Wood is optimistic about their chances and is ready to compete at the highest level.

💪 Preparing for the Olympics

Discussing the upcoming Olympics, Wood emphasizes the importance of not underestimating any competitors. He acknowledges the high level of competition and expresses his excitement for the challenge. Wood is familiar with his rivals from previous races and is focused on performing his best.

⛑️ Safety and Risks in BMX Racing

Wood addresses the inherent risks of BMX Racing, including high speeds and close competition. He talks about trusting his instincts and years of experience to navigate the dangers. Despite the risks, Wood enjoys the sport's unique thrill and looks forward to showcasing it at the Olympics.

🌟 The Appeal of Extreme Sports

Wood believes the extreme nature of BMX Racing is part of its attraction, especially for younger audiences. He describes the excitement of racing down a steep hill at high speeds and the physical, contact nature of the sport. Wood finds the sport's unpredictability and intensity to be compelling for both participants and spectators.

🏥 Overcoming Injury

Wood recounts a significant crash in May last year that sidelined him for five months. The injury was a major challenge, testing his patience and resilience. Despite the setback, Wood views the experience as a growth opportunity, enhancing his perspective as both an athlete and a person.

🤕 Injury in Olympic Sports

Reflecting on the broader issue of injuries in Olympic sports, Wood acknowledges the inherent risks athletes face. He suggests that managing fears and overcoming adversity are essential parts of the athletic experience, making the rewards of success even more meaningful.

🌟 Inspiring the Next Generation

Wood offers advice to aspiring BMX racers, emphasizing the importance of belief in oneself and resilience in the face of challenges. He shares his own experiences of repeated losses before achieving success, encouraging young athletes to stay committed and persistent.

🇫🇷 Excitement for Paris

Looking forward to the Paris Olympics, Wood expresses excitement about sharing the experience with his family and supporters. He reflects on the honor of representing the USA and the significance of competing at his first Olympic Games, anticipating unforgettable moments.

🎬 Conclusion and Thanks

Dana Taylor wraps up the segment, thanking Cam Wood for his participation and highlighting the audience's anticipation for the upcoming Olympic Games. Wood expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to share his story, and the segment ends with Taylor signing off.

Keywords

💡BMX Racing

BMX Racing is a type of bicycle racing that involves off-road cycling on BMX bikes. It is known for its high speeds and intense competition. In the video, BMX racing is the central theme, as the interviewee, Cam Wood, is a professional BMX racer discussing his journey and aspirations for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The sport was added to the Olympics in 2008 to attract a younger audience.

💡2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics is the upcoming international sporting event where athletes from around the world will compete. In the context of this video, it is significant because Cam Wood, the interviewee, is a top BMX racer aiming to compete and potentially win a medal at these games. The Olympics represent the pinnacle of achievement in sports.

💡World Cup Champion

A World Cup Champion is an athlete who has won the championship in a specific sport at the World Cup level. Cam Wood is mentioned as a two-time World Cup Champion, indicating his high level of skill and success in BMX racing. This achievement highlights his qualifications and potential for success at the Olympics.

💡Olympic Points Leader

The Olympic Points Leader is the athlete who has accumulated the most points in their respective sport leading up to the Olympics. Cam Wood is described as the current Olympic points leader for the US men's team, which signifies his strong performance and ranking in the sport, making him a top contender at the Olympics.

💡Adrenaline Rush

An adrenaline rush is a feeling of excitement, energy, and heightened arousal that can occur during intense or risky activities. In the video, Cam Wood talks about his love for BMX racing, mentioning the adrenaline rush he experiences when the gate drops and he races to cross the finish line first.

💡Montana

Montana is a state in the United States known for its rural and mountainous landscapes. Cam Wood mentions growing up in a small town in Montana, which is significant because it contrasts with the typical warmer climates where BMX racing is more common. His background from Montana adds a unique perspective to his journey as a BMX racer.

💡Phoenix

Phoenix is a city in Arizona, known for its warmer climate and sports culture. Cam Wood's family relocated to Phoenix, which was a critical moment in his life and career. The move was largely for BMX racing, indicating the commitment and sacrifice his family made to support his athletic aspirations.

💡Extreme Sports

Extreme sports are activities that involve a high level of physical exertion and risk, often with speed and height as key elements. BMX racing is categorized as an extreme sport, and the video discusses how the inclusion of such sports in the Olympics is aimed at attracting a younger audience. The risk and excitement of extreme sports are part of their appeal.

💡Injury

Injury is a physical harm or damage to the body that can result from accidents or sports activities. Cam Wood discusses a serious crash that sidelined him for five months, highlighting the risks associated with BMX racing and other extreme sports. His experience with injury also underscores the resilience and dedication required to overcome setbacks in professional sports.

💡Resilience

Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or to withstand hardships. Cam Wood emphasizes the importance of resilience in his career, particularly in overcoming injuries and setbacks. His advice to aspiring athletes includes maintaining a steady belief in oneself and facing challenges head-on, which is a key aspect of his personal philosophy and success.

💡USA Jersey

The USA Jersey is a uniform worn by athletes representing the United States in international competitions, such as the Olympics. Wearing the USA jersey is a symbol of pride and honor for American athletes. In the video, Cam Wood expresses his excitement about wearing the red, white, and blue jersey at his first Olympic Games, indicating the significance of representing his country.

Highlights

BMX Racers at the 2024 Paris Olympics will have more than just a medal on the line; the sport can be deadly.

BMX racing was added to the 2008 Beijing games as part of a strategy to attract a younger audience.

Cam Wood, a 22-year-old racer from Montana, is America's top hopeful for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Cam Wood is a two-time World Cup champion and the Olympics points leader for the US men's team.

Growing up in a small town in Montana, Cam Wood was inspired to pursue BMX racing after watching its Olympic debut in 2008.

Cam Wood's family relocated to Phoenix six years ago to support his racing aspirations.

BMX racing as a sport was once dominated by American athletes, but Europeans have become more competitive in recent years.

Cam Wood and Cam Larsson are the current top competitors for the US men's BMX team.

Cam Wood discusses the physical demands and risks of BMX racing, highlighting the high speeds and potential for crashes.

The International Olympic Committee has added extreme sports like BMX racing to the Summer Games to attract a younger audience.

Cam Wood experienced a serious crash in May of last year, sidelining him for five months and making him re-evaluate his racing career.

Cam Wood advises aspiring BMX racers to have resilience, face challenges head-on, and maintain a belief in themselves.

Cam Wood looks forward to sharing the Olympic experience with his family and wearing the USA jersey for the first time at the highest level of sport.

Cam Wood acknowledges the role of his family's support in his journey to the Olympics.

Cam Wood discusses the importance of managing risks and fears in BMX racing, emphasizing that overcoming adversity makes success more rewarding.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello and welcome to the excerpt I'm

Dana Taylor reaching speeds of nearly 40

mph BMX Racers at the 2024 Paris

Olympics will have more than just a

medal on the line the sport can be

deadly a relatively new competition in

the Olympics BMX racing was added to the

2008 Beijing games as part of a strategy

to attract a younger audience and based

on the recent addition of other Action

Sports to the gamees such as climbing

skateboarding and surfing that strategy

is working to talk about his journey and

what's at stake in the 20124 Olympic

Games in Paris we're joined Now by cam

wood a 22-year-old racer from Montana

who is currently America's top hopeful

cam thanks for joining me on the excerpt

thank you guys for having me I

appreciate it you're a two-time World

Cup champion and currently the Olympics

points leader for the US men's team what

are the stakes for you personally at the

games in Paris this summer yeah I mean

this has obviously uh been a dream of

mine for a really long time uh you know

growing up in a a small town in Montana

I actually vividly remember watching BMX

Racing's debut in the Olympics when I

was seven years old and two Americans

actually went home with medals uh from

that race and from that point on it's

just uh it's been a dream that stuck

with me and obviously as a BMX racer

this is the Pinnacle of our sport uh and

ALS sport in general right this is the

Olympics so just an incredible

opportunity uh that's nearing and I'm

just unbelievably excited for it you

mentioned growing up in Montana and I

know that you played many different

sports including basketball football

skiing golf and track and field what was

it about BMX racing that made you decide

that this was what you wanted to pursue

yeah I loved you every facet of

competition I just fell in love with it

and um I think BMX racing was just so

head The Head and the adrenaline the

adrenaline rush of just the anticipation

of the gate dropping and having only 30

35 seconds to cross the finish line

first and uh just felt like I was I was

very competitive and it was kind of the

best way for me to express myself as a

kid I love team sports but feeling a

little bit more weight on my shoulders

and uh just you know taking you know the

losses they kind of hurt a little bit

more and winning felt a little bit

better when it's kind of you know when

it's an individual sport so yeah just

for whatever reason felt like I could

express myself and in my personality

meshed really well with BMX racing and I

just continue to grow within the sport

and I love it more every time I get on

my bike cam your inspirational journey

to Paris really began six years ago with

your family's relocation to Phoenix tell

me about how that decision came about

and what it meant for your racing

aspirations yeah when I look back uh on

my whole journey I think that was such a

critical moment in my life you know you

grow up in Montana it's just such a

unique BMX environment and it's unheard

of in our sport you know everyone's from

warmer weather climates and having that

story of you know being from somewhere

where we had one ridable track in the

entire State it's just a really rare

background and my family sacrificed so

much uh you know they've been my biggest

support system my whole racing career

them you know moving across the country

largely in part for BMX you know I felt

that weight on my shoulders definitely

but I feel like I channeled it in a

really positive postive way and um

they've been my number one supporters

from the very beginning and I definitely

you know wouldn't be in this position

without their support BMX racing as a

sport was once dominated by American

athletes but recent years have shown

that Europeans in particular becoming

more competitive why do you think that

is is underinvestment by the US a factor

here we were in a transition period for

a little bit you know we had very

successful athletes that were kind of

nearing the end of their career you know

you're lucky in in BMX racing if you get

10 years and um I think that transition

kind of happened a few years ago but I

think right now we're in a really good

place and I think uh myself as along

with Cam Larsson our other male Olympian

I think you know we both proven that we

can compete at this level and we can win

races and yeah we're kind of going in

there with a little chip on our shoulder

and everyone feels really good about

where where we're at okay let's talk

more about your competition in Paris

which Racers and teams do you think will

be your biggest competitors who are you

watching yeah I mean this is the

Olympics right it's the highest level of

sport everyone is going to be at their

best and so I think uh you can't take

anyone lightly you can't take any team

lightly you know it's going to be a new

experience obviously this is my first

Olympic Games but we race all of these

people all the time multiple times a

year so um there's going to be some

familiarity there and uh yeah I'm just

looking forward to the challenge and

like I said this is the highest level of

competition it's going to be hard I

think it's best to expect it to be hard

and and show up and just compete to the

best of my ability I want to broaden the

conversation now to talk about BMX

racing more generally it's a sport

that's largely categorized as an extreme

sport with greater physical demands in

many ways and also big risk Connor

Fields suffered a head trauma that

forced him out of the competition at the

2021 games in Tokyo what will you be

doing to stay safe what are you most

concerned

about yeah I mean naturally there's a

lot of risk right you get on top of a

big starting Hill you're going 35 40

miles an hour you're bar toar with seven

other people which are uncontrolled

variables there's a lot that you can't

prepare for you know you have to kind of

trust your instincts and you know trust

all the years and years and years of

racing and having to adapt to new

situations so naturally there is risk

but I would say the more you do it the

more comfortable you get with it and you

know as soon as you cross the finish

line you want to do it all over again so

I think it's something we we're all

comfortable with at this level and it's

what makes our sport so unique uh it's

what makes it so fun to watch and um

yeah I'm looking forward to everyone you

know seeing the action that goes down in

a few weeks as I mentioned at the top

BMX racing is one of several extreme

sports the international Olympic

Committee has added to the summer games

to attract a younger audience is Extreme

risk part of the attraction for that

audience and is it part of what

attracted you to the sport I think it is

yeah I think it is it's something you

know when you see it in person or when

you when you get on a starting Hill and

you realize you know this this starting

Hill is three stories high and we're

going 40 miles an hour in less than

three seconds I think people are able

obviously they haven't been in that

situation but they can relate to what

that speed is like right and they can

kind of put their themselves in our

shoes and uh yeah it's definitely an

action Sport and it's a contact sport

it's physical you know really in BMX

there's not many rules as soon as that

gate drops right so um it's kind of fair

game and I think it it naturally is

interesting for you know for people on

the outside looking in well cam you had

a serious crash in May of last year that

took you out of competition for 5 months

did that injury make you re-evaluate

your racing career at

all yeah it was it was very challenging

for me that was definitely the biggest

hurdle I've faced in my professional

career you know I've been really

fortunate up until that point in terms

of injury felt bulletproof at times

young in my career uh you know you take

some crashes that's always part of what

we do but was able to get up for most

all of them and and kind of continue on

and this one had me sidelined for five

six months and yeah it was just really

hard you know for a period of time

you're in this mindset of every day you

know having these goals and feeling like

you're able to Chase something and it

gives you purpose in what you do and

sometimes an injury for whatever reason

you're just feel stuck right it's things

take time and uh having to go through

that and that was the ultimate lesson on

on patience in my career it's hard to

see it in that moment but I think it

benefited me a lot as a athlete and as a

person as well and I think it's it's

beautiful in a way right our Olympic

criteria started right after I had that

injury so it made my journey here really

hard and I think now you know when it's

all said and done you reflect on that

Journey more than anything as you know

three of the favorites for the US

women's gymnastics team were forced to

drop out either just before or during

the trials this year are Olympic

competitions getting to the point where

injury is almost inevitable and can or

should Sports leaders do anything to

stem the tide of injuries there's risk

in what we do being an athlete in any

discipline um it's a complete sacrifice

and we put our bodies on the line every

time we choose to to go out and and get

on the BMX track and like I said there's

risk in in every sport so I think it's

part of it and um I think as athletes

you know learning how to manage those

situations learning how to manage those

thoughts and those fears that's what

makes the good moments so rewarding so

you know without having to face that

adversity and face those fears the

successes they wouldn't feel as good as

they do as the top Contender on the

American team you are no doubt an inspir

ation for the next generation of BMX

Racers what's your advice to those

athletes who hope to emulate your

success I'm just always belief I've

always had a belief in myself and I

think you know coming from a small town

having the background that I do I can't

emphasize that enough you know not being

around a BMX environment and not feeling

you know like I was successful really

until late in my teenage years I lost so

much as a did and I feel like people I

can't emphasize that enough I lost over

and over and over and uh I didn't learn

how to win until I kept losing basically

so um just having that resilience um

taking obstacles head on facing

challenges and just continuing to show

up every day you know sometimes things

go your way sometimes they don't uh but

I feel like I've always had that steady

belief in myself and it drives

everything for me it's what gets me out

of bed in the morning and um I

absolutely love what I get to do I feel

blessed and grateful and uh I couldn't

imagine living my life any other way and

then finally you're heading to Paris

other than competing in the Olympics

what are you most looking forward

to uh there's a lot of things uh my

family a lot of my family and a lot of

people really close to me are going to

be there so I'm really excited to share

that moment with them obviously it takes

a team to get to this point and uh just

going to be a special moment for

everyone there everyone that's been a

part of the journey and I can't wait to

share that moment with them and

obviously anytime you get a throw on a

USA Jersey and wear the red white and

blue it's just a complete privilege and

honor um something I've always dreamed

about and to do it at my first Olympic

Games at the highest level of sport it's

going to be Unforgettable something I

remember for the rest of my life so uh

yeah I just couldn't be more excited we

will continue watching and following

your journey of course thanks so much

for being on the X Camp thank you guys

for having me I appreciate it thanks for

watching I'm Dana Taylor I'll see you

next time