June 25, 2012
World champion Sam Willoughby heads Australia's BMX campaign at the London Olympics after being named in a five-strong team.
Heading to London as the top-ranked nation in men's and women's BMX, world No.1 Willoughby is joined by No.2 women's rider Caroline Buchanan, who won the world time trial championship last month.
No.7 ranked Brian Kirkham and No.17 Khalen Young are also in the men's event, with world No.5 Lauren Reynolds joining Buchanan in the women's.
Willoughby, 20, is determined to take the step from world champion to Olympic champion.
"I love racing on a confidence high, that's when I am at my best," he said.
"It probably does make me a marked man, but that's what I aim for, that's what I thrive on.
"I plan to finish the job off in London, as worlds was just a stepping stone for the Olympics.
"Finally after four years of preparation it's a huge honour to have the Olympic team announcement made.
"However, it is just half the battle. If I am going to represent my country on the biggest sporting stage, I want to do it in a professional and winning way."
Although Buchanan won the non-Olympic time trial at the world titles, she was knocked out in the semi-finals of the main event.
"It was quite hard to finish on a not so good note by missing the finals at worlds, but that has definitely made me hungrier," she said.
"I'm not content with where I'm at and I can't wait for London."
Australia failed to win a medal in BMX's Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008.
Team: Caroline Buchanan, Brian Kirkham, Lauren Reynolds, Sam Willoughby, Khalen Young.
AAP