Is BMX a Sport? (Quick Answer Explained!)
Many theories surround BMX, which can be confusing. Some believe BMX is a brand of bike, while others think it’s a cycling event. Some people believe it’s a form of sport. Is BMX a sport?
International Olympics Committee (IOC) recognizes BMX as an international sport. BMX riding is also in line with the definition of sport given by Dictionary.com, Cambridge Dictionary, and Wikipedia.
Remember that BMX was only recently recognized by the IOC and is available in two categories: BMX racing or freestyle BMX. I will explain their differences to help you decide which line to take.
Let’s first define the sport and then relate it to BMX. BMX is bicycle motocross.
What is a Sport?
Wikipedia says that sport is “any physical activity or game designed to improve your physical skills while providing enjoyment for you and, in some cases, fun for others.”
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it is a competition, sport, or activity that requires skill and physical effort but follows a set of rules. The Cambridge Dictionary also mentions that it is a sport that offers enjoyment and can be used as a job.
Dictionary.com defines sport as “an athletic activity that requires physical prowess or skill.” Dictionary.com also describes sport using synonyms such as amusement, entertainment, recreation, and game.
What is BMX?
Dictionary.com has the following definition of BMX:
‘BMX’ is a bike used for stunt riding and recreational riding.
Dictionary.com explains BMX (or Bike/Bicycle Motorcross) as a bike race performed on difficult cross-country (XC) courses.
Wikipedia defines BMX as ‘a bicycle sport done with BMX bikes either for freestyling or racing.’
Is BMX a sport?
The above definition of BMX bikes shows that it is a physical activity requiring skill and entertainment. That’s precisely what BMX is, according to both Dictionary.com and Wikipedia.
BMX, a competitive sport that improves your physical skills and entertains, is just like Wikipedia defines the sport.
BMX, as the Cambridge Dictionary says, promises fun and an enhancement of your physical abilities. However, it also follows a set of rules.
Different rules than other bike disciplines govern BMX riding. BMX bikes are limited in their load and must be ridden on specific tracks.
BMX is a sport that lives up to Dictionary.com’s definition. Dictionary.com says that BMX is competitive and requires physical prowess.
International Olympic Committee (IOC), Recognition
Did you know that BMX has become an Olympic sport? BMX freestyle has become an official Olympic event. It was previously promulgated at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, it was postponed due to Covid 19.
Although BMX freestyle is a sport that dates back to the 1970s and was recognized by the IOC in 2000, it was not added to the Olympics.
BMX racing was first introduced by BMX in 2008, although freestyle BMX was not presented to the Olympics until 2020.
You could also argue that IOC recognized BMX and BMX racing as a sport in 2008.
Benefits of BMX (Why you should get a BMX bike)
Like any other sport, BMX riding has its advantages.
- Heart Health– BMX riding improves circulation and overall heart health.
- Muscle Building BMX cycling strengthens and enables you to be more resilient.
- Weight Trimmer– BMX riding can be used to burn extra calories. BMX riding can help you lose weight.
- Mental Well-being BMX riding is good for your heart, mental health, and physical well-being. You will feel less stressed if you can ride a BMX more often.
- Entertainment – I remember defining BMX as a fun activity. It’s fun to ride it and do stunts and jumps. You can also do it to entertain others.
- Resilience BBMX riding is not easy. It is essential to keep going and continue trying new moves. This will increase your resilience over the long term.
- Creativity – BMX riding is creative, an essential skill for any competitive sport. BMX allows you to think on the spot when faced with challenging obstacles.
Are you interested in BMX? You can find the best BMX bikes on Amazon. You can also get the Mongoose Legion (Check Amazon), which has seven sizes to fit kids and adults. It is easy to ride and suitable for both advanced freestylers and beginners.
BMX Racing
BMX racing is a BMX sport where riders race primarily for competition. This type of BMX is favored across all ages and is governed partly by the Union Cycliste Internationale.
Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, BMX has been an Olympic sport.
Freestyle BMX
BMX racing is all sprinting and fast riding. BMX freestyle, however, is all about doing stunts. BMX Freestyle is an extreme sport that involves tricks in parks, parks, flatlands, or trails.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were the only time that IOC recognized freestyle BMX.
The History of BMX
BMX began in 1970 when a few kids from Southern California were inspired by the Schwinn Stingray Chopper bicycle. George Esser, an American biker enthusiast, founded the National Bicycle League (NBL) in 1974.
NBL collaborated in Florida with the American Motocross Association (AMA) to sanction motocross races.
The AMA, American Bicycle Association (ABA), was established to succeed. 1981 saw the creation of the International BMX Federation. This pushed for BMX integration into the ICU.
The IOC declared that BMX racing would feature in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in 2003. It has continued to be so since then.
Anne-Caroline Clauson (French) and Maris Stromberg (Latvian) were the first Olympians to win a BMX race at the Olympics.
Is BMX riding safely?
If you don’t have the right gear, BMX riding can become dangerous. This includes a helmet, riding shoes, sturdy pants, and a jacket.
All these BMX gears can be found on Amazon.
Are BMX bikes bad for you?
Although BMX riding is sometimes dangerous without safety gear can be an excellent exercise for your heart and mental health. Regular BMX riding suits your well-being because it builds creativity and resilience.
People ask questions
1. Is BMX Racing a Sport?
BMX is a racing sport. It was recognized as a racing sport at the 2008 Olympics and has been since. You can only race on designated tracks and not any other roads.
2. Is BMX a dying sport?
BMX isn’t a dying sport. Its popularity is increasing worldwide, to the contrary. Today, BMX is a featured event at the Olympics. This shows that cycling has grown in popularity since 2008, when it was first revealed at the Beijing Olympics.
3. Is BMX A Dangerous Sport?
BMX riding is dangerous because it involves many jumps and stunts. You can keep safe by using the right bike gear. This is even more important if your plans include trying out dangerous maneuvers.
4. Is Freestyle BMX a Sport?
Freestyle BMX can be considered a sport. The IOC officially launched it at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics 2017. You can prepare for the Olympics if you’re good at freestyle BMX.
5. Is BMX a contact sport?
Although BMX is a contact sport, it’s not permitted for riders to intentionally collide with other riders. Most people mistakenly assume that BMX is a non-contact sport.
6. Is BMX an Extreme Sport?
Some BMX events may not be extreme. BMX racing is a more potent form of BMX, while BMX freestyle is a fast and rough sport.
You may also be doing dangerous stunts that could inflict injuries. Protective clothing is recommended for freestyle BMX riders.
7. Is BMX an Expensive Sport?
BMX isn’t expensive. A decent BMX can be purchased for less than $500, making it more affordable than many bikes. The accessories and gears are also very affordable.
8. Can you race a freestyle BMX?
Although a freestyle BMX can be ridden fast, it is not ideal for racing. It’s because the frame is a bit heavy. You need something lighter to race for fun or competition.
9. Is BMX an Olympic Sport?
Yes, BMX is an Olympic sport. Since the 2008 Olympics, BMX racing has been an Olympic event. The IOC also recognized BMX freestyle in 2017 and hosted it at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. BMX can now be used to compete in the Olympics.
10. BMX: Why is it a sport?
BMX is a physically challenging sport and offers both riders and spectators enjoyment. The same rules govern BMX as any other sport.
Is BMX a Sport? Closing Thought
The International Olympic Committee generally recognizes BMX. You can ride BMX for exercise and fun or complete a World Event like the Olympics. The best thing about BMX is that you can use it for kids and adults!