Bunbury BMX rider Lauren Reynolds off to Rio

The 25-year-old said it was an absolute honour to be selected for the second time to represent her country in Rio. 

“All the blood, sweat and tears from the past four years have certainly paid off,” she said. 

“I have an opportunity to do everything I can to be better than I was in London and do myself and my country proud.” 

In 2012, Reynolds made the semi-finals at the London Olympics, finishing 15^th overall.

Now heading to Rio, Reynolds said she feels like she is a better equipped rider compared to four years ago. 

”The past four years have taught me a lot as a rider and a person,” she said. 

“I’m looking forward to showcasing the best I have and enjoying every minute of it.

“If I want to be a medallist I need to make the least mistakes and race like I train.”

The road to Rio hasn’t been without its bumps. In 2013, Reynolds underwent a knee reconstruction and returned to form the following year winning both the Australian National Series and the Oceania Championships. 

This year Reynolds finished third in the Oceania Championships before securing four podium finishes in the USA BMX circuit, including her first win on tour. 

She progressed through to the semi finals at the 2016 world championships before finishing eighth.

She now heads into the Rio 2016 Games ranked inside the world’s top ten.

Reynolds will be joined on the team by current world champion Caroline Buchanan and male riders Sam Willoughby, Anthony Dean and Bodi Turner.

The BMX events in Rio will start on Wednesday, August 17 with the finals held on Friday, August 19.