The United States was kept off of the podium at the London Games. Team USA’s Nic Long isn’t going to let that happen in Rio. Long has two Pan American Games medals under his belt and he won the 2016 UCI BMX World Championships. But he’s not focused on his top UCI ranking heading into the Games.
Nic Long told Holly Resh of NBCOlympics.com, “I don’t know much about where I’m ranked, nor care that much. I’d rather be an underdog and just keep my head down and ride like I’ve trained. I’ve come prepared and I’m ready to raise some hell.”
I’ve come prepared and I’m ready to raise some hell
Long has said himself that this Olympics is all about redemption. And his goals are nothing short of a spot on the podium.
“I’m going there with the intention of walking out with a medal. I don’t plan on coming short this time. So, I’ll just do everything in my power to get it done.”
Long has been taking his lumps early in training and he was quick to show off his misstep on Instagram.
Long will be ready come when he lines up at the gate, but he’s got some stiff competition and he knows it.
“Every country has brought their best,” Long said, “so it’s hard to say who’s the biggest competition. But both Connor [Fields] and Corben [Sharrah] are in top shape, as well as riders like Sam Willoughby, Maris Štrombergs, and Joris Doudet.”
Štrombergs won gold medals in both Beijing and London and he’s nicknamed “The Machine” for good reason. He will be tough to dethrone, but Long will be ready when the BMX seeding runs kick off on Wednesday.