BMX: It was a coming of age performance by Melbourne's Bodi Turner at the recent UCI BMX Supercross World Cup event in Angelholm, Sweden, but the new kid on the block knows better than to rest on his laurels.
Turner was a prolific frontrunner as a junior and always seemed destined for success, however his results on the international stage had never fulfilled expectations, until he made his first World Cup main event on a windy Sunday in Sweden.
“I've been racing the Supercross series since the day I was old enough, yet never made it past the semi's,” Turner said.
“It's almost too difficult for me to describe the feeling when I crossed that finish line in the semi final. It's a rush of emotions all in one, from happiness to complete shock.
“Then there's a million thoughts that you can't even process, like how much a position in the final means towards Olympic selection.”
Not content with just making up the numbers, Turner’s raw talent was on full display in the final, as he rode past his idol Sam Willoughby and the current world champion Niek Kimmann on his way to silver. Although in a true reflection of his humble character, it is an achievement he’s quick to downplay.
“I can't claim too much to be honest, when you're in the moment racing you don't think too much about who it is your passing,” he said.
“Although, that race felt different to me, the way I rode was different to how I've ridden in the past. I rode with a lot of confidence and pushed my ground, and that feels pretty good.”
Although only 20-years of age, Turner he has amassed a long list of domestic achievements in his two year’s of elite competition, with his recent form on the international scene a result of hard work and a concerted change in mindset.
“An international breakthrough was definitely something I've been waiting for. It's a slow process and takes a lot of time but I continue to keep my head down and tackle each challenge as they come. If you want it enough, it will come,” he said.
“Its definitely a big boost of confidence for me mentally, but it's more important to stay in the present and not the past or future.”
With the future in his sights, Turner’s focus will now be on this week’s UCI World Cup round in Santiago del Estero, as he aims to pick up where he left off, in the pursuit of international success and with it Olympic qualification points.
“Although the result in Sweden has helped me along my Olympic journey, I know that there is still a long road ahead, “ he said.
“I just need to focus on each race as they come and give the best effort I can to secure a spot for Olympics, and that next race is in Argentina.”
The fourth round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Santiago del Estero will be held over the coming weekend.
