Medalist Nikita Ducarroz
Olympic Bronze Medalist: Freestyle BMX
Women’s BMX Freestyle Park
SL: Congratulations on winning your bronze medal in the first-ever BMX Freestyle Olympic event. How does it feel to be in the record books for your sport?
Nikita: It’s pretty unreal. I still don’t think it has all sunk in yet, the magnitude of what just happened. It honestly just felt like a normal World Cup. I think that’s because it was all the same people, same friends. But then the coverage we are getting is so much bigger, and that sort of makes me realize what is happening.
SL: How was competing in the Olympics different than competing in other World Championships? Was it more nerve-racking than other big contests that you’ve competed in?
Nikita: Honestly, it was just about the same. Once we were at the venue it felt just like the Worlds and I forgot how much bigger it actually was. For me, I honestly get extremely nervous—to the point of wanting to just go home—right before every contest, no matter how big or small. So as sucky as it feels, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for me. [Laughs]
SL: The announcers said you wanted to compete for your dad’s home country. Is that why you competed for Switzerland instead of the U.S.?
Nikita: Honestly, there were a lot of reasons as to why I chose to compete for Switzerland. We spent a lot of time there as kids, so I do feel very connected to it. We were pretty half-and-half as far as cultures. Then, of course there is the fact that Team USA already had quite a few BMXers, and Switzerland had none. With limited spots for Tokyo, it gave me a better chance, although because of that, I also had to compete for the spot by myself, rather with a team, which took a bit more work.
So, there was a lot of give and take with it, but ultimately I’m happy with my decision and proud to represent Switzerland. Now I am even more proud because with this medal, it has really opened a lot of doors for Freestyle BMX in Switzerland. I’m excited to see where it goes and how we can develop programs here for the youth!
SL: How were the accommodations in the Olympic Village?
Nikita: The accommodations were great! Apartments were nice and simple, AC was flowing—and much needed with the heat and humidity—and the food hall was amazing with pretty much anything you could want.
SL: Was the lockdown, and being restricted to the Village, hard to deal with?
Nikita: It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, we had to wear masks, and there were plastic dividers at tables in the food hall, along with daily Covid tests, but that’s about it. Everything else was pretty chill. There was nothing prohibiting us from hanging out with each other. There was still an activity center, gym, etc. I guess the only big bummer was no crowd [at the venue] and we couldn’t really go out and see Tokyo.
SL: Although you’ve always been a role model for being one of the top female athletes in your sport, and with it being a new sport, how does it feel knowing that you’ve just inspired a whole new generation of girls that now know they can compete in a sport that’s been traditionally a male sport?
Nikita: Honestly, that makes me the most happy out of all this. I had a lot of little girls come up for pictures with me at the airport and that alone was worth it all, as well as just hearing so many people tell me that they had never seen BMX before, and they were now huge fans. At the end of the day, I think all of us who ride were just so excited to share how passionate we are about the sport, and hopefully have some of that rub off on people and inspire them to get involved as well. The doors are open.
SL: Have you seen a spike in your social media following after you competed?
Nikita: I’ve definitely had a bit of a spike just from being posted everywhere, especially on the Swiss channels, and doing a lot of TV interviews. One thing that I really loved was almost all reporters ask about my Mental Health Awareness page, MindTricks (@m1ndtricks) and I definitely got a lot of interaction over there, and people who were excited to learn about it.
SL: What are your plans moving forward? I know there will be a lot of contests between now and 2024, but do you think you’ll look to compete in the Paris 2024 games?
Nikita: I definitely plan on trying to qualify for Paris. I know this time around will be even more difficult with so many new, younger riders coming into the mix, but I’m excited to take on the challenge again. Even through all the tough days, it was a really fun experience training and preparing for the Games. And of course, with the delay of Tokyo, we’re only three years out so it will go by fast!
SL: Is there anyone specific that you’d like to thank for helping you get to where you are as a competitor?
Nikita: Oh man, that’s a tough one. There was a HUGE team behind me every step of the way that made this possible. Of course, my parents and extended family who have been with me since the day I was born; Jason Richardson, my sports psychologist; John Welch, my trainer; and Daniel Wedemeijer (and fam)—my coach who has gone through so much with me over the years. The list just keeps going, with so much support from my sponsors who made it possible to focus 100% on training. Sorry if I forgot anyone, it’s been a whirlwind. I am so grateful to have so many people who have my back.
SL: What advice would you give to a young female rider that’s interested in pursuing BMX Freestyle?
Nikita: Just go for it! It’s no longer just a men’s sport. There is so much progress happening in Women’s Freestyle, and to be a part of it is so exciting. Learn all the basics first, have fun finding your own style, and don’t worry about what internet haters say. The true people who have your back don’t live behind a keyboard.
SL: Do you plan to continue to live in Holly Springs for a little while?
Nikita: I do! Now with Paris right around the corner, it’ll be back to training soon. I will be back and forth a lot between Holly Springs and Europe, but that will continue to be my home base.
SL: What’s your favorite thing about Holly Springs?
Nikita: I love that it’s close enough to a bigger city and the airport, etc., but still has that small-town vibe. It’s very calm and I feel like I can relax and unwind when I’m there.
SL: Do you have a go-to restaurant in Holly Springs? Maybe a few?
Nikita: Osha is always a go-to, as well as Fiesta Mexicana for the tortilla soup. [Laughs]
SL: Is there something about you that you think our readers would be surprised to know?
Nikita: I hate flying and often have anxiety attacks on planes; I am terrified of spiders, yes, even though I can backflip on a bike; and I grew up speaking French at home.
You can follow Nikita @nikita.ducarroz
