Jye Galloway is headed to Azerbaijan after qualifying for the BMX World Championships

BMX rider Jye Galloway to compete at worlds next month

Jye Galloway and his dad Eddy have both qualified for the world BMX Championships held in Azerbaijan next week. Pictures: David Swift

AT eight years old, Cranebrook’s Jye Galloway has joined the ranks of national champions after qualifying for next month’s BMX World Championships.

Representing Australia, Jye will travel to Azerbaijan, in the southern region of Eurasia, to compete in the 8-years boys’ category.

He will be joined by Olympians Anthony Dean and Lauren Reynolds and his dad Eddy Galloway, who is also competing at the international tournament.

The mini biker fell in love with the sport aged four.

“We used to attend Little Athletics, which was held at a sport field, and there was a BMX track next door,” Mr Galloway said. “I told Jye that if he won his next race, I’d take him over to have a look. And that was it. He decided that (riding) was what he wanted to do – and he hasn’t stopped riding since.”

Jye says he’s more excited than nervous for the competition.

After placing fifth at the national championships in Bunbury last month, Jye said he was not nervous about competing internationally.

“I don’t really get nervous, I’m more excited than anything,” he said.

Training alongside his dad, Jye rides up to four times a week, and is coached by world-class BMX rider Alex Cameron and rising BMX superstar Saya Sakakibara.

Jye is this week’s nomination for the Local Sports Star Awards, which run until August 31. Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Young Sporting Spirit Team. There is also a Service To Sport category. Details: localsports
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