The debate surrounding freestyle urban sports revolves around their classification as either sports or art, or a combination of both. Skater Micky Papa from Canada believes that these sports offer a unique blend of fulfillment, escape and artistic expression.
On the other hand, BMX rider Nick Bruce initially viewed BMX freestyle as purely a sport until injuries forced him to reevaluate his perspective. He acknowledges the creativity and artistic expression involved in creating a one-minute run of tricks on challenging courses, highlighting the magic that moves both judges and spectators.
Unlike traditional sports with set point systems, BMX freestyle allows for greater creativity in its scoring. This gives riders the freedom to experiment and showcase their individual styles. However, with its inclusion in the Olympics, there may be changes to how tricks are scored, potentially shifting the balance between artistry and athleticism.
Despite these changes, riders like Bruce remain confident that BMX freestyle’s artistic nature will remain intact. The ability to invent new tricks, modify their delivery order and create visually stunning performances will continue to set BMX freestyle apart as both a sport and an art form that captivates audiences worldwide.
