PORT ANGELES, Wash. — BMX racing is a sport that calls for hard pedaling, high speeds and mental toughness. And in May 2024, the very best showed up in Rock Hill, South Carolina for the UCI BMX World Championships.
"At the speeds they're going, it's definitely a higher risk sport the older they get," said Dave Christensen whose 12-year-old son Wyatt is a taller, longer haired version of the 6-year-old we met in 2018. That's when the then First grade students won the 6 and Under National Championship.
"I've been racing like for eight years and so when I do like something new, it's scary but I just push right through it," Christensen said at his home track, Lincoln Park BMX in Port Angeles.
Even when he can't practice here, there's a good chance Christensen is on a bike somewhere.
"He's pretty self-motivated," his father said. "You'll look outside just on a weekday and he's out there doing sprints on his bike or doing workouts."
All that riding got Christensen, ranked third in the world, to Rock Hill where a rain-soaked track leads one pileup after another.
"In those conditions it was kind of hard to watch for a little bit," Dave Christensen said. "You're holding your breath."
Wyatt lead every one of his elimination races from start to finish and secured a place in the final.
"As pressure seems to increase and the stakes get higher with the race, he almost seems to calm down more and execute," his father said.
The final pits Wyatt Christensen against the world's best.
"There was this super fast French kid," his father said. "So, Wyatt definitely had his work cut out for him."
The final race can be seen in the clip below at 5:57:35.
In 35 seconds the race would be over so Christensen knew he needed a fast start.
"I come out of the gate," Christensen said. "I cut over on the French kid."
"Wyatt was able to go bar to bar with him and just barely edge him over," his father said.
The French kid is knocked out of the race in a three bicycle pile-up.
"And then I was like I have to be smooth," Wyatt remembered. "Focus on the race in front of me. Not behind me."
Christensen won the race and the world championship.
"I still can't believe it happened," he said.
Will success spoil Wyatt Christensen? Don't bet on it. He keeps his trophies piled up out of sight in his garage. He likes to study math and hang out with his little sister Eleanor and brother Warren.
"If you talk to Wyatt he typically won't tell you he rides BMX," his dad said. " He's humble about the whole thing. He doesn't like the extra attention. I think he just genuinely loves riding his bike."
His love of the sport may be the secret to Wyatt Christensen's success.
His next stop is Tulsa where he will attempt to win a National championship. His sights are already set on the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
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