Geelong’s Cameron Gatt prepares for BMX World Championships

A Geelong BMX rider is chasing his Olympic dream as the youngest member of the Australian team for the upcoming World Championships. He opens up on his journey there.

Cameron Gatt in action. (Photo: Con Chronis/AusCycling)

Cameron Gatt has competed on the world stage before but his next event will be his greatest challenge.

The Geelong teenager will be the youngest member of the Australian team when he competes at the UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Denmark next month.

At just 17, Gatt, who is a member of the Geelong BMX Club, has spent time in Brisbane as part of the lead up to the event.

Gatt said it has been a very different preparation.

“I’ve had to be a lot more independent,” he said.

“I’ve come up here on my own, stayed on my own, it’s been a great learning experience. The atmosphere around everything has changed because it’s been a big step up in responsibility.

“Everyone here has their own schedules and it’s something I’m working on myself to see what actually works for me.”

Spending time in Queensland has seen Gatt work alongside some of the biggest names in the sport including Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara.

Olympians Izaac Kennedy and Lauren Reynolds are also in the Australian squad which will travel to Copenhagen for the event which will run on August 2 and 3.

Gatt himself has enjoyed a promising career today, reaching every of final of every competition he has ridden in, when he hasn’t crashed.

“Everyone rides differently so you try and pick up on different tips and tricks you might be able to use yourself,” he said.

“My goal is to win a world title. I’d love to go to the Olympics one day, just to be there would be something special.

“It’s every kid’s dream to go to the Olympics in the sport thy love and it’s no different for me.”

Gatt’s journey to being a national BMX rider started when he was five-years-old, seeing the local club at a parade.

“I begged my parents to go down and from my first lap I knew it was for me,” he said.

Imogen Healy is the other member of the Australian team making her debut.

AusCycling National BMX Racing coach Luke Madill said the recent World Cups highlighted the growth and momentum within the sport.

“It’s inspiring to see Australian riders rising confidently to meet the global challenge,” he said.

“This year’s world championships team brings together a powerful blend of emerging talent and seasoned experience, a combination that reflects the strength and future of BMX in Australia.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to be part of this team as we prepare to represent Australia on the world stage.”

Originally published as Geelong’s Cameron Gatt prepares for BMX World Championships