BMX Rider Logan Martin says he was grateful the Welcome Home event still went ahead

Gold Coast BMX rider Logan Martin put a $70,000 practise arena in his backyard to help him win gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Months on he describes how his win has changed his life.

SINCE winning his historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Gold Coast BMX rider Logan Martin has never been busier and says he’s loving every minute.

The winner of the first ever BMX freestyle event at the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ was one of the athletes officially welcomed home at HOTA’s outdoor stage on Sunday by the public.

His mindblowing and flawless display in Tokyo was among the highlights of the Games.

Gold Coast Olympians and Paralympians, including gold medal-winning sailor Mathew Belcher and Paralympian Curtis McGrath who won his second consecutive gold medals in the KL2 at Tokyo, were all celebrated by the home crowd.

WATCH: HORROR INJURY ENDS PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL

40 pictures: Gold Coast Olympians, Paralympians welcome home

VIEW GALLERY

Following the ceremony that included receiving a certificate from Mayor Tom Tate, Martin was flooded by fans wanting to get a piece of their hero.

“With all the restrictions with Covid, it’s great to be able to have events like these still go ahead,” Martin said.

Welcome home to Gold Coast Olympic and Paralympic athletes at HOTA. Logan Martin with wife Kimberley Martin and Noah Martin (4). 3 October 2021 Surfers Paradise Picture by Richard Gosling

“Since the Olympics I’ve been very busy. The past few weeks since coming out of quarantine I’ve been trying to get back into a normal routine.

“I have been super busy though dealing with requests and interviews. I’m taking it all in and embracing it all.

“I’m a big fan of it all.”

Martin grew up on the Gold Coast riding at skate parks across the city.

The 27-year-old has built a strong career including winning world titles, X Game sgold medals and world cups in BMX freestyle. When Covid locked down the world, Martin built his own $70,000 practise arena in his hinterland home’s backyard and said it was all worth it to win the gold at Tokyo this year.

Logan Martin during the Men's Park Final of the BMX Freestyle at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Urban Sports Park on August 01, 2021. Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

“We reached a whole different audience being included in the Olympics,” he said.

“I knew that was going to be the case and I wanted to represent BMX in a positive way.

“It’s the same as the surfing and the skateboarding. I think it’s great the Olympics is making that move with the niche sports.

“It was awesome for us to perform on the Olympic platform and it’s been nothing but positive feedback since.”

Martin was joined at the ceremony by his pregnant wife Kim and son Noah and said he will be taking the next few months off before they welcome another addition to the family.

“I’ll have some downtime with the family and have baby number two due in January,” he said.

“Then I’ll get ready for next year and prepare for the world championships in 2022.

“The big goal is to get to Paris 2024 and defend this medal and get to another Olympics.”

Originally published as BMX Rider Logan Martin says he was grateful the Welcome Home event still went ahead