BMX freestyle

Arising from the racing culture the emerged from California in the 1970s, BMX freestyle was born out of the imagination of children and teenagers in the region inspired by the moves of riders and keen to imitate their heroes. The sport became increasingly popular over subsequent decades and integrated the programmes of extreme sports competitions such as the X Games in the 2000s and the FISE International Festival of Extreme Sports. The first BMX Freestyle World Cup was organised by cycling’s world governing body, the UCI, in 2016 as part of that year’s FISE.

Brief overview of the rules

At the Tokyo Olympic Games, the BMX freestyle competition will take place in an urban park where riders will perform as many tricks as possible in 60 seconds. They will be scored based on the difficulty of the tricks, the height of their jumps as well as the creativity and style of the routine.

Olympic history

BMX freestyle got its first run out on the Olympic stage at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. It offered such a thrilling spectacle in front of packed crowds, convincing the IOC of the potential of this ultimate urban sport.

BMX freestyle will feature in its first Olympic Games in 2021 in Tokyo. The new sport will bring a fresh feel and inject adrenaline into the already exciting and comprehensive cycling programme. 

Events in 2024

The BMX freestyle’s events will take place on the 30th and 31st of July.

• Park (women’s / men’s)

Venue in 2024

International organisation

© Comité International Olympique (CIO) / HUET, John

The pictogram