TULSA, Okla. — Five BMX athletes who will represent the United States at the Paris Olympics gathered in Tulsa on Tuesday for a big Olympic send-off party.
FOX23 visited Hardesty National BMX Stadium to speak with some Olympians ahead of the Games.
Three of the five athletes were in attendance Tuesday, and all will be representing the U.S. at an Olympic Games for the first time.
“Representing the United States is the highest honor and privilege,” said BMX Olympian Cameron Wood.
Words of encouragement and excitement echoed through the air Tuesday night as the Tulsa community came together to cheer on members of the BMX Olympic team.
Wood said it was a surreal experience.
“I vividly remember when I was 7 years old the first BMX race was held at the Olympics and two Americans won medals, so that was always a dream of mine,” Wood said.
All three athletes have been racing since they were young, and Darrenee Vaughan said it’s been a long journey to get to this point.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I’ve really been challenging myself over the last few months and thinking about how I can get better every day,” Vaughn said.
BMX fans had the opportunity to ask the Olympians questions, take photos and get their gear autographed.
Since it opened, the facility has served as a community gathering place, where locals have come together to wish good luck to Olympic athletes.
“We use the word ‘setting the stage’ rightly. We remember the ribbon cutting when we opened two and a half years ago and we talked about what this was going to be, what this was going to be, we knew what it was going to be and all of the pleasant surprises that have happened along the way,” USA BMX President Shane Fernandez said.
Fernandez said he’s grateful for the support he’s received from many organizations across Tulsa.
“They say the momentum continues, and it will continue, so hang in there America,” Fernandez said.
The momentum will be felt in Paris as the community cheers on the USA BMX team.
Athletes will travel to Paris on Thursday and begin competing on Aug. 1.
