Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with 15-year-old Kayla McCormick, the next generation of women’s BMX from Logan, Australia. An Ignite scholarship winner and supported by FIST Handwear, learn more about Kayla here.
How did you get into BMX? I wanted to try BMX freestyle but mum wouldn’t allow me and instead got into BMX racing from age 5. I stopped at 12 and got into other sports. I was then selected through a range of testing with the Queensland Sports Academy and was chosen to ride BMX freestyle.
What languages do you speak? I can only speak English.
Your top three parks? My top three favourite parks are Beenleigh and Rampfest in Australia and Asylum in the UK.
Top three songs on your playlist? I don’t really listen to music but when I do it’s usually Drake or Fast Cars by Luke Combs.
Three people who inspire you and why? I think everyone I’ve met has had an influence on who I want to become but the three important ones would be:
- Caroline Buchanan, because she is a female who has had such a large impact on BMX and has been so successful. She also always makes time to mentor me and helps me stay focused.
- Natalya Diehm, because she is just so real and honest. On her socials, she shares the highs of her career and the lows and how she gets through it. As a female who can suffer from anxiety, especially in a sport where it’s intimidating and stressful I find it reassuring to see her overcome some of the same feelings. She is also so kind to me and always willing to help me with a new trick that I’m struggling with.
- Nathan ‘Lanky’ Philips, is always so happy and is always so positive. He is such a great coach and is always supporting me and encouraging me. Not only is he a great coach but he is bloody good at riding his bicycle.
What is a trend in BMX you want to stop seeing? I’m not sure, I haven’t seen many trends which made me feel that way. But probably just competitiveness which causes negative relations between people.
What do you do when you’re not riding? Well, I’m still in school so I spend the majority of my time locked up there but when I’m not at school or a skatepark, I’m out shopping with a friend. I also do horse riding with my grandma and touch football.
Favourite person to ride or train with? Depending on which skate park I’m at, but I love riding with Lily Cotter, Ryder Wood, and Alirah Norris.
Favourite shoes to ride in? My favourite shoes to ride in are probably Vans but I only ride in Vans so don’t really have a favourite.
Best advice given to you? The best advice I’ve been given is having a consistent schedule and routine and setting strong goals are so important.
Your biggest fear? My biggest fear is either not achieving anything in life and being disappointed with myself or losing the ability to walk, ride, or run.
Your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is who I have become in the last 2 years. In 2022 I wasn’t the best kid and tested my parent’s patience more than once, but because of BMX and having people believe in me, it made me realize that I could do better.
Your worst habit? Comparing myself to other people. I compare myself a lot which distracts me from focusing on myself and improving myself.
If you could hire someone to help you in some aspect of your life, what would it be? I would hire a personal chef. I love food but sometimes lack the motivation to make it myself but if someone would make whatever I would be both grateful and overweight.
What is a memorable experience you had that couldn’t have happened without BMX? My most memorable experience is going to ACT Jam in Canberra Australia. I met so many people and so many laughs were shared.
Your top three future goals you want to achieve? I would love to compete in the 2032 Olympics, which will be held in Brisbane. I would also love to be invited to X Games it looks like such a vibe. I would also like to be able to inspire other girls to join BMX and share the joy it brings me with others.
