Flatland BMX rider Monika Hinz made a life changing decision; quitting her job to train for the FLATARK World Competition in Japan. This is her story.
Japan Trip 2023 – FLATARK World Competition – Koshien Stadium
Magic happens when you’re fully committed to your passion. Last December, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Japan, representing both myself and the women of BMX at the FLATARK World Competition. This experience was the culmination of months of preparation, fueled by the support of Giant Bicycles, friends, and my husband, who believed in my dream from the very beginning.
Preparing for a Life-Changing Opportunity
Being invited to FLATARK felt like a “now or never” moment—a rare chance to compete on the world stage. I had spent the previous year working 48-hour weeks, barely managing to keep up with my riding. When the invitation came, I knew I had to go all in. I made the difficult decision to leave my job and focus entirely on riding, working closely with my “@Rideunlimitedcoach”, Scott Hagnas, to prepare my body and mind for this intense journey.
I knew I had to go all in. I made the difficult decision to leave my job and focus entirely on riding
For three months leading up to FLATARK, I dedicated myself to daily training, balancing my routines to protect a lingering work injury. Each day, I pushed forward, documenting my progress on social media, while my husband, Rony, stood by my side, helping with training, nutrition, and motivation.
A Dream Backed by a Giant
I held a unique position in the quality department at Giant Bicycles in Hungary, where my passion for BMX flatland resonated deeply with the management of this Taiwanese company. They celebrated my enthusiasm, and over time, I earned their trust and support.
Giant became more than a workplace—it was a partner in my journey. I immersed myself in everything from building specialized bikes by hand to training employees and refining processes. Despite the demanding hours, Giant encouraged me to dream big.
Despite the demanding hours, Giant encouraged me to dream big
When the FLATARK invitation arrived, Giant Bicycles stepped in to sponsor me, alongside friends in Taiwan. Their belief in me, and their commitment to empowering women in BMX, was instrumental in turning a distant dream into reality.
Unfortunately, the official cycling federation of my home country, Bringasport, offered no support, and my requests went unanswered, despite representing Hungary and holding four world championship titles. This lack of response made Giant’s support even more meaningful.
FLATARK: A New Chapter for Women in BMX
Returning to Japan was special; the BMX community here has always been close to my heart. Thirteen years ago, I first visited and discovered a thriving community. This time, I was excited to see a new generation of female riders pushing boundaries. Judging the novice girls’ class, I watched these talented young women perform advanced tricks with determination and skill, which was inspiring.
Held at the iconic Koshien Stadium, which celebrated its 100th anniversary, FLATARK 2023 was unforgettable. The support from the organizers, riders, and community embodied the camaraderie that defines BMX.
Competition Day: Balancing Judging, Cold Weather, and Limited Warm-Up
Competition day brought its own challenges, testing both my resilience and preparation. As a judge, I started early with a morning meeting, seated in the cold 4°C (39°F) December air. By the time my judging duties wrapped up, I had been in the cold for quite a while.
I quickly returned to the hotel for preparation, but as I returned to the stadium, my class—the Women’s Open—was already practicing. With limited time and space, I had barely warmed my muscles before stepping onto the stage. The platform was crowded, leaving little room to run through my moves.
My Run and Reflections
When it was finally time for my 90-second run, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. The cold and rushed warm-up had taken their toll, but once I began, I felt an instant connection to the perfectly crafted ground beneath me. For those 90 seconds, I owned the space, savouring every moment and wishing it could last longer. Despite the challenges, I felt proud of my performance.
The recognition from legendary riders, who acknowledged my original signature trick, was humbling. Their encouragement reminded me of the journey to reach this moment and the importance of mutual support in our BMX community.
While I may not have qualified, I still felt like a winner, partly due to a thoughtful surprise in the locker room. Each rider had a setup like a baseball locker, with a FLATARK poster hanging in place of a jersey. Our names were written on it and signed by Yohei Uchino, FLATARK’s founder. On our chairs were a FLATARK shirt, baseball cap, and even a G-Shock watch. This unique setup reflected the Japanese precision, creativity, and deep respect for both art and sport—a gesture that honored each rider’s journey and dedication in a way I had never experienced before. But beyond the gifts, what truly resonated was the transformation this experience brought me.
A Journey of Gratitude and Growth
Reflecting on this experience, I’m filled with gratitude. FLATARK was more than a competition—it was a testament to the support, persistence, and camaraderie that define BMX. I’m endlessly grateful to Giant Bicycles, who helped me realize this dream, and to friends and family whose belief in me pushed me forward.
This story is for all young women in BMX who are just beginning their journeys.
This story is for all young women in BMX who are just beginning their journeys. Keep riding, keep pushing, and believe in your potential. I hope my experience inspires others to pursue their dreams with passion and resilience.
Special thanks to those who made this journey possible—Ucchie, Naoto, Rony, Scott, and the Giant team: Summer Xia, Jeffrey Chan, Violet, Kelly, Wendy, Jack, and my dear Giant Angel, Rachael.
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