CANADA MAKES OLYMPIC DEBUT IN BMX FREESTYLE AT PARIS 2024

Paris, FRA (July 30, 2024) – The Paris 2024 Olympic adventure of Canadian BMX Freestyle racer Jeffrey Whaley, originally from Montreal, QC, came to an end during the qualifying rounds held on July 30 at La Concorde.

The first Canadian representative in the discipline, Whaley’s mission was to qualify among the top nine riders to advance to the final on July 31. Scoring 76.20 in the first run and 80.83 in the second, for a total score of 78.51, the Quebecer finished in tenth place, one place away from the final.

Photo Credit: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com

“It’s been the hardest four weeks of my life, both physically and mentally,” mentioned Whaley, only a few weeks after shoulder surgery.  “Not only did I have to get back on my bike after my injury, but I also had tough practices after two crashes and a collision, which broke both my wheels. It was tough, but I made two full runs and missed the finals by one position. For me, it’s a victory, so I’m leaving with my head held high.”

Britain’s Kieran Darren David Reilly qualified in first place with a score of 91.21. He was followed by American Marcus Christopher (89.48) and Australian Logan Martin (89.39).

Further information, including results and a full schedule of events, is available at olympics.com. Competition for Team Canada cyclists continues on August 1, with Molly Simpson in BMX racing action.