BMX rider Vincent Leygonie is aiming for the finals in Paris

While he’s keeping the pressure minimal, he hopes to elevate the lesser-known sport in South Africa to new heights. Vincent held his training camp in Montpelier, where many national athletes are also preparing for their respective competitions. He feels confident as he gears up for his first ever event on 1 August.

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''Expectations for this event - the level is high, we have been training in Montpelier for the last week. Doing final preps ahead of the event, hoping to make it to the finals, once I get to the finals - will always go for a win,'' said Leygone.

He will begin his journey on 30 July, competing against 12 other riders in the qualifying rounds. If he succeeds, he will advance to the quarterfinals on 31 July.

''On the 31st of July we have our qualifying event, we only have 12 riders competing. Qualifying is two rounds, both rounds count to make an average score. If you want to win, your best run counts and would put you in the medal situation,'' added Leygone.

Freestyle BMX is a smaller sporting code, and it comes with its fair shares of challenges. To keep pursuing his passion, Leygonie often invests in his own money to support his efforts.

''I mean, so besides the Olympics we have been supported by Team SA, trying to find all the sponsors. But leading up to this event everything is self funded, paid for my own flights, it has  been quite tough, I have gone through debts but it is something I would do over and over again,'' he concluded.

He is competing in his first Olympics, marking the second time South Africa’s freestyle BMX has qualified for the Olympic Games. Leygonie proudly represents South Africa as its champion, a role he deeply cherishes.

Inspired by several of his heroes from around the globe, Leygonie decided to get involved in the sport and hasn’t looked back since.