Australia will head to London hopeful of medals as the world's top-ranked nation in both men's and women's BMX.

Willoughby (pictured top) and women's world number-two Caroline Buchanan (pictured below) head the Australian team.

The former won junior world titles in 2008 and 2009 and became world champion last month in Birmingham.

"The thing with success is that it is the most addictive thing ever," said Willoughby, the youngest member of the team at the age of just 20.

"Since BMX was added to the Olympic programme it has 100 per cent been my goal to compete in London.

"I knew I'd be the right age, I knew I'd be ready, and I've had an amazing season so far.

"I love racing on a confidence high, that's when I am at my best.

"It probably does make me a marked man but that's what I aim for, that's what I thrive on.

"I plan to finish off the job in London, as the Worlds was just a stepping stone for the Olympics."


Buchanan, 21, claimed three straight World Cup time trial wins at the start of this season and a non-Olympic time trial gold at the World Championships.

"I feel like I'm riding on a high this season, it's been amazing," she said.

"It's been the most consistent season I've ever had and I've got the best results of my career.

"Winning the time trial at the World Championships was the first time I ever pulled on a BMX rainbow jersey and it was a real career highlight.

"What I've noticed is that you're only as good as your last race.

"It was quite hard to finish on a not so good note by missing the finals at Worlds, but that has definitely made me hungrier.

"I'm not content with where I'm at and I cannot wait for London."


Buchanan, however, will face a tough challenge against home favourite and quadruple world champion Shanaze Reade (pictured above), looking to make up for her final-lap exit at Beijing 2008, as well as world number-one Magalie Pottier of France.

Māris Štrombergs of Latvia, the BMX men's champion in Beijing, will be among Willoughby's main rivals for gold along with world number-two, American Connor Fields.

Also going to the Olympics is former world junior champion Lauren Reynolds, who edged out Melinda McLeod to seal a London 2012 spot on her 21st birthday.

She also took bronze in the BMX Olympic test event last year at the Olympic Park in London.

World number-seven Brian Kirkham, another former junior BMX world champion who enjoyed a superb 2011, and Khalen Young, the 2007 BMX Supercross World Cup victor in Madrid, complete the Australian selection.

BMX is making only its second Olympic appearance this summer, and the men's and women's events will take place between August 8 and 10.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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