BMX Freestyle National Champs: Natalya Diehm, Sarah Nicki, Brandon Loupos
Olympian Natalya Diehm will ramp up her preparations for the Paris Games at the BMX Freestyle National Championships this weekend. Here’s why they’re so key and the top competitors to watch.
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Natalya Diehm’s goals for 2024 are pretty simple.
Number one is win a BMX Freestyle national championship.
Number two is to qualify for the Paris Olympics and become a two-time Olympian after travelling to Tokyo.
She’ll have the opportunity to tick off number one this weekend when Australia’s best BMX athletes descend on Rampfest Indoor Skate Park in Melbourne’s western suburbs for a thrilling weekend of action.
While she’s aiming for top spot on the podium, Diehm said the event would be a stepping stone to her Olympic preparations.
“Obviously every time you compete you want to win,” she said.
“But the main goal for me is to try out a free new tricks that I’ve been working on. We all get a one-minute run each, so it’s a great chance to try these out.
“We’ve got an Olympic qualifying series coming up in a few weeks, so if I can nail this new routine it’s going to give me some great confidence.”
Diehm, who is a three-time national champion, will go head-to-head with 16-year-old sensation who is aiming for three straight titles of her own.
“It’s going to be a fantastic level of competition,” she said.
To qualify for the Olympics later this year, Diehm will travel to all parts of the globe to take part in a qualification series.
But the travel is something she is used to.
“A lot of the major competitions are overseas,” she said.
“The National Championships is one of the best events we have here in Australia. The talent pool, especially among the next generation, is growing every year.
“The elite men should be a really good battle. I’d encourage everyone to get down and have a look.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased online through the AusCycling website.
THE KEY ATHLETES
Natalya Diehm: An Olympian in 2020, Diehm is looking to ramp up her preparations for the Paris Games later this year.
Alec Danelutti: The 23-year-old will look through to break through as he aims to qualify for the Olympics later this year.
Brandon Loupos: A world champion in the past. Loupos is chasing his Olympic dream this year after a serious knee injury ruined his chances of going to Tokyo.
Sarah Nicki: A rising star who is set for a big future. Nicki was the youngest female competitor back at the 2022 World Championships and won last year’s event.
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Originally published as BMX Freestyle National Champs: Natalya Diehm, Sarah Nicki, Brandon Loupos
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