Ever wondered who dominates the dirt tracks instead of the hardwood floors?
From adrenaline-fueled sprints to jaw-dropping aerials, these 15 BMX titans have pedaled their way into racing lore.
Do you think you can keep up with their pace? Gear up as we dive into the stories of BMX royalty, one trailblazer at a time.
Best BMX Racers:
- Maris Strombergs
- Donny Robinson
- Niek Kimmann
- Joris Daudet
- Sam Willoughby
- Alise Post
- Mariana Pajon
- Connor Fields
- Laura Smulders
- Bubba Harris
- Gary Ellis
- Dale Holmes
- Thomas Allier
- Mike Day
- Anne-Caroline Chausson
Table of Contents
#1 Maris Strombergs
- 🌍 Nationality: Latvian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 10, 1987
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012), UCI BMX World Championships Gold Medalist (2010, 2011)
Revered as “The Machine,” Maris Strombergs is known for his exceptional power and precision on the track. His aggressive racing style and remarkable consistency have made him a celebrated figure in BMX history. Strombergs carved a niche for himself by winning the first Olympic gold in BMX racing when the sport debuted at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and then repeating the feat at the London 2012 Olympics.
Off the track, Strombergs is a role model in his native Latvia, inspiring a younger generation to take up BMX racing. He has remained largely controversy-free throughout his career, focusing on maintaining his elite performance. His legacy in BMX racing is marked by his Olympic victories, making him one of the greatest athletes the sport has seen.
#2 Donny Robinson
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: Born in 1983
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Bronze Medalist (2008), UCI BMX World Champion (2009)
Nicknamed “dR,” Donny Robinson is celebrated for his agility and tactical racing strategies. Despite his smaller stature compared to many of his competitors, Robinson’s technical skills and profound understanding of BMX dynamics have brought him tremendous success, including a memorable bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Robinson’s influence extends beyond the track through his advocacy for BMX safety and athlete welfare. His initiatives to improve the sport’s safety standards have significantly impacted BMX racing. Off the course, Robinson has taken on coaching roles and engaged in charity work, leveraging his experience to foster the next generation of riders and contribute to his community.
#3 Niek Kimmann
- 🌍 Nationality: Dutch
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 20, 1996
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2020), UCI BMX World Champion (2015, 2019, 2021)
Niek Kimmann burst onto the BMX scene with his impeccable timing and explosive starts. Known for his remarkable ability to navigate BMX tracks with creativity and finesse, Kimmann has certainly made his mark by clinching the World Champion title three times and taking home the gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Kimmann has become a prominent figure in the sport, known for his resilience, as evidenced by his Olympic win despite sustaining an injury in the run-up to the event. In addition to his athletic prowess, Kimmann is a respected figure off the track due to his engaging personality and his efforts to promote BMX racing through social media and other platforms, thus inspiring a wave of new athletes.
#4 Joris Daudet
- 🌍 Nationality: French
- 🎂 Date of Birth: February 12, 1991
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: UCI BMX World Champion (2011, 2016), UCI BMX World Cup Overall Champion (2016)
Joris Daudet, known as a formidable and tactical rider, shot to fame with his exceptional gate starts and smooth racing technique. Not only has Daudet clinched multiple World Champion titles, but he has also stood as a dominant force in BMX racing across international competitions.
Off the bike, Daudet’s calm demeanor differs from his intense competitive spirit on the track. He stays clear of controversies, focusing instead on his contributions to the sport, including mentoring younger racers and promoting BMX through his participation in various events and clinics. His impact on the sport lies in his consistent performances and the graceful conduct he maintains as an elite BMX racer.
#5 Sam Willoughby
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 15, 1991
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Silver Medalist (2012), UCI BMX World Champion (2012, 2014)
Sam Willoughby is celebrated for his superb bike control and strategic race approaches, making him one of Australia’s most successful BMX riders. His impressive track record further cements his place among the greats, highlighted by a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics and two World Championship titles.
Tragically, Willoughby’s career took an unexpected turn when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 2016, but his courage and determination pushed him to stay involved in the sport. As a coach and mentor, Willoughby continues to inspire athletes worldwide. His personal life, including his marriage to fellow BMX star Alise Post, also speaks volumes about his deep connection to the sport.
#6 Alise Post
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 17, 1991
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Silver Medalist (2016), UCI BMX World Champion (2017)
Alise Post, also known as “The Beast,” has earned acclaim for her aggressive riding style and her ability to charge through BMX tracks with both speed and technical prowess. She has been a consistent podium finisher on the global stage, most notably capturing a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and clinching the World Champion title in 2017.
Her resilience shone through when she made a strong comeback after a knee injury to secure her place on the U.S. Olympic team. Off the track, Alise has become a role model, especially for young female athletes aspiring to excel in BMX racing. Her influence extends further as she speaks about gender equality in sports and contributes significantly to her community through various initiatives.
#7 Mariana Pajon
- 🌍 Nationality: Colombian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 10, 1991
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, 2016), UCI BMX World Champion (2011, 2013, 2016)
Mariana Pajon, affectionately known as “The Queen of BMX” in Colombia, has dominated the sport with her exceptional talent and indomitable spirit. With two Olympic gold medals and multiple World Championship victories, Pajon’s resume is a testament to her brilliance on the BMX track, characterized by her fearlessness and unparalleled race intuition.
Pajon’s status in Colombia transcends sports; she is a national hero and an embodiment of the country’s aspirations. She has gracefully handled the pressure and expectations, using her platform to inspire positive change and to advocate for a variety of social causes. Her philanthropic work, especially for children and youth development, continues to make an indelible impact.
#8 Connor Fields
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 14, 1992
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX Racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2016), UCI BMX World Cup Overall Champion (2013)
Connor Fields became the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in BMX racing at the 2016 Rio Olympics with his explosive speed and technical aptitude. Known for his intense focus and competitive edge, Fields has remained a top contender in the sport with numerous victories and podium finishes.
In 2021, Fields endured a terrifying crash at the Tokyo Olympics, resulting in serious injuries. Despite the challenging road to recovery, Fields’ tenacity has been a source of inspiration. Off the bike, Fields’ passion for BMX extends to helping younger riders and advocating for athlete safety. While his personal journey is a story of resilience, his elevation of BMX racing in the United States serves as part of his enduring legacy.
#9 Laura Smulders
- 🌍 Nationality: Dutch
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 9, 1993
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, 3× UCI BMX World Champion, Multiple European Championship titles
Laura Smulders has become a household name in the BMX world, known for her fierce competitiveness and consistent performances. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and her tactical intelligence on the track have earned her numerous accolades, including an Olympic medal. Laura’s signature racing style combines speed with technical precision, making her a formidable opponent in every race.
Off the course, Smulders is admired for her dedication to promoting BMX racing, particularly among young women. Her influence extends into coaching and mentoring, where she encourages the next generation of riders. Her commitment to the sport’s growth and her positive role model status have cemented her legacy in BMX racing.
#10 Bubba Harris
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 7, 1985
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 3× ABA BMX National Champion, UCI World Championships podium finisher
Bubba Harris dominated the American BMX scene with his raw power and aggressive riding style. Known for explosive starts and excellent track positioning, Harris was a crowd favorite and respected by his peers. His ability to push through adversity, overcoming injuries and other challenges, spoke to his determination and resilience as an athlete.
While less is known about Harris’s contributions off the track, his on-track legacy is well-established. As one of the top BMX racers of his era, Bubba Harris’s name remains synonymous with the sport, continuing to inspire riders who value strength and tenacity.
#11 Gary Ellis
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 21, 1966
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple ABA BMX National Championships, BMX Hall of Fame Inductee
Gary Ellis, also known as “The Lumberjack” for his imposing presence and strength, was a powerhouse in the BMX racing community. With numerous national championships under his belt, Ellis was renowned for his remarkable consistency and ability to succeed across various tracks and conditions. His racing techniques emphasized both tactical nous and physical dominance.
Ellis’s impact on the sport continues through his influence on training methods and race preparation for aspiring BMX racers. Although he maintains a lower profile nowadays, Gary Ellis’s achievements and approach to racing have left a lasting impression on the BMX world.
#12 Dale Holmes
- 🌍 Nationality: British
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 6, 1971
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: UCI BMX World Champion, National BMX Hall of Fame Inductee, Multiple National and European titles
Dale Holmes is a BMX racing icon who carried the flag for British racing on the international stage. Known for his quick reflexes and smooth riding style, Holmes competed at the top level for many years. His career highlights include world championship titles and significant national and European victories, establishing him as one of the greats in BMX racing history.
Off the track, Holmes has dedicated himself to the development of the sport through the Dale Holmes Racing Team, promoting BMX racing and coaching young athletes. His commitment to fostering talent and promoting healthy lifestyles speaks volumes about his passion for BMX and its positive impact on youth.
#13 Thomas Allier
- 🌍 Nationality: French
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 24, 1975
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: UCI BMX World Champion, European BMX Champion, Multiple Elite Men’s titles
Thomas Allier was a force in BMX racing throughout his career, known for his elegant and tactical racing style. The Frenchman’s notable achievements, including capturing the UCI BMX World Championship and multiple elite titles, have placed him among the best in BMX racing history. Allier was admired for his consistency and his ability to read the race and make strategic moves.
The legacy of Allier extends beyond his race victories, with his dedication to training and preparation setting standards within the sport. His contribution to BMX in France is particularly significant, inspiring a new generation of French riders to pursue success in the sport.
#14 Mike Day
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 29, 1984
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX racer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist, UCI BMX World Champion, USA Cycling BMX National Champion
Mike Day grabbed the spotlight with his silver medal performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With a racing style that combines fluidity and strategic gate choices, Day has made his mark as one of America’s top BMX racers. His adaptability on various track layouts is a testament to his keen understanding of the sport and his exemplary bike-handling skills.
After retiring from competitive racing, Day remains active within the BMX community, often involved in coaching and mentoring young riders. He embodies the spirit of BMX, translating his passion for the sport into fostering the next wave of talent.
#15 Anne-Caroline Chausson
- 🌍 Nationality: French
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 8, 1977
- 🚴♂️ Position/Role: BMX racer and Mountain Bike Rider
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, Multiple UCI BMX World Championships, Multiple UCI Mountain Bike World Championships
Anne-Caroline Chausson is a legend in both BMX and mountain biking, with her Olympic gold in BMX and numerous world championships in both disciplines. Her versatility and dominance have secured her place as one of the greatest female cyclists of all time. Chausson’s commanding presence on the track and her winning mentality have made her an inspiration to countless riders.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Chausson has battled through serious health issues, including cancer, demonstrating the same tenacity she displayed in competition. This remarkable strength, coupled with her advocacy for women in sports, solidifies her status not just as an elite athlete but as a figure of resilience and empowerment.
FAQ
Who is the best BMX Racing player of all time?
Maris Strombergs is the best BMX Racing player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Maris Strombergs is the best BMX Racing player of all time. His Olympic victories and consistent dominance have made him a legend in the sport.
Who are the top 10 greatest BMX Racing players of all time?
Maris Strombergs, Donny Robinson, Niek Kimmann, Joris Daudet, Sam Willoughby, Alise Post, Mariana Pajon, Connor Fields, Laura Smulders, and Bubba Harris are the top 10 greatest BMX Racing players of all time, known for their exceptional skill and contributions to the sport.
Who is the most famous female BMX Racing player?
Mariana Pajon is the most famous female BMX Racing player. She has earned immense respect and recognition through her Olympic triumphs and role in popularizing BMX Racing among women.
