2021 was a new chapter for women’s BMX with the introduction of BMX Freestyle to the Olympics. We saw queens crowned for the first time and new BMX royalties emerge. For the last two weeks, we have been announcing each day the recipients of the 2021 Bloom BMX Award categories. Today is the last category and one closest to my heart. Today, we are pleased to announce Chrissy Piper as your 2021 Bloom BMX Backer of the Year.
BACKER OF THE YEAR
Chrissy Piper
In the last two weeks, we celebrated the athletes who made an impact in Women’s BMX, these were the women that put in the hard physical work, the women who are sacrificing their bodies and a traditional life to compete in BMX. But what about the people supporting these athletes? I created this category for the unsung hero, supporter, volunteer, park operator, photographer, the person doing good things for BMX … the person lurking around who is thanklessly putting in the hours and themselves, to better BMX and the women/girl’s BMX scene. As one of the newer categories, this award was meant to be difficult and was meant to make you think.
I am stoked to announce Chrissy Piper, founder of High Five BMX and an 80’s BMX racer as this year’s recipient. Using her photography skills and ability to tell stories, Chrissy started High Five BMX, a photography series featuring women and girls who race BMX. Here are a few words from people Chrissy impacted.
“Chrissy is an amazing human. She loves photography and shares stories about girls who ride. High five keeps the vibes positive in our sport. It’s great to read the answers to her questions and how the same question can be answered so different by so many” – Carley Young (BMX racer and coach)
“When we saw Chrissy start her journey with High Five, we were ecstatic to see her fill an important role in the racing scene. The girls and women she brings into her High Five family encompass how truly rad the women of BMX racing are. After countless photos, interviews, and social posts, we are beyond excited to see Chrissy getting the recognition she deserves as Backer of the Year. With her continuing to show more and more female racers alongside dominating on the track herself, we’re proud to call her a member and friend.” – USA BMX
“Congrats Chrissy on winning backer rider of the year! What a well-deserved award winner! Chrissy sees BMX like no other. She is such a kind-hearted person that’s always helping and encouraging riders around her.” – Shealen Reno
“Hello, Ms. Chrissy it’s Skittles here! I’m just here to say I’m super proud of you and all your accomplishes in the BMX community you make it 10x more fun for us girls with your interviews thank you for that and I can’t wait to read more! :)” – Skittles
