In the 2008 Olympics the world watched as new replace old. Arguably the best opening ceremony took place, Phelps brought home a record eight gold medals in a single Olympics, Usain Bolt lived up to his name and became the fastest man on earth, and nine new events joined the Olympics.
Of these, one quenched the thirst of adrenaline junkies of the new age.
For the first time, BMX became an official Olympic sport.
Following this sport on the rise is senior Alex Hammett.
“It became a passion and a lifestyle,” Hammett said. “It’s like all I do.”
Hammett started BMX in sixth grade, at the age of 12.
“BMX is much harder than it seems,” Hammett said. “The tricks or even learning your balance point.”
On any given day Hammett spends his time at the Wichita Falls skate park, located on Maurine Street.
“I ride just about every day,” Hammett said. “ I just ride because I love it.”
The sport comes with traveling.
“I’m always traveling somewhere and going out of town,” Hammett said. “I go to Denton a lot, and I like going to Austin, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas area.”
Hammett has yet to take part in a competition, but that will change.
“I’m supposed to go to Missouri for competition in March,” Hammett said. “I’ll probably be in the amateur category.”
Extreme sports enthusiasts are prone to injuries and Hammett is no exception.
“My worst injury would be my broken ankle two years ago,” Hammett. “I got a plate and five screws.”
Many individuals and situations motivate Hammett including his parents and girlfriend.
“What motivates me to ride as much as I do is good weather or riding with a bunch of friends with a good atmosphere. That always puts me in the mood,” Hammett said. “Watching videos and thinking about [BMX] makes me want to go out and do it and try new stuff and get a little better.”
As the future nears, Hammett has begun to think about his options of going pro.
“I haven’t really put my mind to it yet, but it is possible,” Hammett said. “If I really tried I bet I could do it.”