Alise Willoughby won her third BMX racing world championship title in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This victory secures her qualification for her fourth Olympics, which will take place in Paris later this year. The 33-year-old led the race from the start and finished ahead of Switzerland’s Zoe Claessens in second place and fellow American Daleny Vaughn in third place.
Willoughby’s success is a testament to the hard work she has put in over the years, as well as the support of her family, friends, fans, husband, coaches and staff. Seven years ago, she won her first world title in Rock Hill. After experiencing two crashes that prevented her from getting on the podium in the Tokyo Olympics, she is determined to add to the silver medal she won in Rio. Vaughn will join Willoughby on the US team, and the final spots will be announced later this month.
After her victory, Willoughby expressed her gratitude saying “This feeling is so special. I’m just so proud to say that I’m still rising to potential.” In an interview with CNN she said “I can’t wait to compete at home soil during Paris Olympics”, She also added that this win gives me more confidence and motivation to go out there and give it my all.”
In men’s competition French rider Joris Daudet won his third world title with Niek Kimmann from Netherlands coming in second and Sylvain Andre from France coming in third place. Daudet hopes to win his first Olympic medal on home soil this year after suffering a broken collarbone earlier in the year due to a crash
