When we recently interviewed European Champion Sasha Pardoe we also asked her to recommend an up-and-coming female rider in the UK to interview, her response was immediate: Elsa Rendall Todd.
At just 16 years old, Elsa is already making waves in BMX. Elsa is on the British Olympic development squad for both racing and freestyle and hailing from London, England, she’s proudly sponsored by Staystrong and Source BMX. With such high praise from a fellow champion, we couldn’t wait to learn more about Elsa and her journey in BMX. Check out our quick interview below and get to know this rising star!
How did you get into BMX? My parents helped found the local cycling club which does most cycling disciplines. I started going to the club to do mountain biking when I was 3. My brother saw the BMX racing and decided he wanted to try it so I followed him over and did my first race when I was 4. I’ve kept racing since then. Around 2 years ago, a friend told me to go to a Backyard Jam because I would do well. I decided to go for fun even though I couldn’t do any tricks. Afterwards, I rode skateparks a little bit more and then got on to British Cycling. Since then, I’ve been doing both freestyle and racing.
What languages do you speak? English and a bit of French
Your top three parks? Tracks; Glasgow, Scotland Cyclopark, UK Verona, Italy and for Parks; Asylum, Corby, Olympic replica in the RAF hangar.
Top three songs on your playlist? I don’t really listen to music when I ride but the top three on my playlist are:
- The View Between Villages Song by Noah Kahan
- Linger Song by The Cranberries
- Dog Days Are Over Song by Florence & The Machine
Three people who inspire you and why? My mum’s my biggest inspiration because of her strength and bravery when she was faced with a cancer diagnosis. Also, I’m inspired by how free she was and the way she lived her life. Other than that I’m not sure but there are loads of people I’d love to ride with.
What is a trend in BMX you want to stop seeing? I’d like to see less pushy parents. I think it’s important to keep it fun. I also think that people should ride different things more rather than restricting themselves to one as it will improve skills and there would be more diversity in BMX.
What do you do when you’re not riding? Most of the time I’m at school or doing other training if I’m not riding. If not, I’m spending time with friends and family or doing something outdoorsy. I also like to read.
Favourite person to ride or train with? I like to ride with my brother Zach because he’s always up for anything whether it be a track, a park or mountain biking. On track, I like to ride with my friend Theia Gaynor because we’ve been friends since we first started BMX and it’s always fun. In parks I like to ride with lots of people such as Sasha Pardoe and Ike Duly.
Favourite shoes to ride in? I ride in Vans BMX old skools. For racing, I ride in Shimano S-phyres. If I’m not riding then I’ll be in crocs.
Best advice given to you? The best advice I’ve been given is probably from my mum to keep it fun. I think doing both freestyle and racing gives me a good balance of serious and fun.
Your biggest fear? Dying without living.
Your proudest accomplishment? I think I’m proud of how I adjusted to life after my mum passed as she was the one who made everything possible for me in BMX. I’m also proud to be on the Olympic development squad for both racing and freestyle.
Your worst habit? It’s not really a habit but I’m very quiet.
If you could hire someone to help you in some aspect of your life, what would it be? I’d hire someone to plan the events I’m doing as there’s a lot to keep track of with racing and freestyle and I’m not good at organising anyway.
What is a memorable experience you had that couldn’t have happened without BMX? I’ve been able to travel all over the world with family and friends for competitions. Going to Colombia and Azerbaijan were pretty cool.
Your top three future goals you want to achieve? I’d like to go to the Olympics in either discipline. Other than that it depends what I decide to do. I’d like to go to X Games and generally just travel the world more once I’ve finished school.
