Freestyle BMX
GT's current freestyle team roster as of the source.
GT Bike's current Freestyle Team includes the riders: Izzy Aleman, Jill Alvarez, Sven Avemaria, Gustavo Balaloka, Emma Bornios, Mia Bornios, Dan Conway, Tristen Cooper, Michael Dickson, Bethany Hedrick, Tom Justice, Brian Kachinsky, Shane Leeper, Ratty Matty, Albert Mercado, Julian Molina, Leandro Moreira, Justine 'Curly' Nieves, Dud.
- field
- Extreme sport
- disciplines
- Street, park, trails, flatland
- first recognized by UCI
- 2016
- Olympic debut
- 2020 Summer Olympics
- first governing body
- American Freestyle Association (AFA), founded 1982
- peak popularity
- 1987
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
GT Bicycles signed freestyle BMX riders Bob Morales and Eddie Fiola in 1983 to design and eventually ride a new freestyle bike, the Pro Performer. At the time, the Performer was the only other dedicated freestyle bike besides the Haro Freestyler. The unique bent down tube became a trademark look for GT. Bob Morales eventually left GT to focus on his own company DYNO Designs while Eddie Fiola continued as a famous BMX personality of the 1980s until his contract was not renewed in 1987.
Reader's Guide
GT's freestyle team has included notable riders over the years. In 1997, GT had a total of 57 athletes on various teams, including 16 freestyle/GT Bicycle Air Show performers. The current GT Freestyle Team roster, as listed in the source, includes: Izzy Aleman, Jill Alvarez, Sven Avemaria, Gustavo Balaloka, Emma Bornios, Mia Bornios, Dan Conway, Tristen Cooper, Michael Dickson, Bethany Hedrick, Tom Justice, Brian Kachinsky, Shane Leeper, Ratty Matty, Albert Mercado, Julian Molina, Leandro Moreira, Justine 'Curly' Nieves, and Dud.
Did You Know?
- GT signed freestyle BMX riders Bob Morales and Eddie Fiola in 1983 to design the Pro Performer, which had a unique bent down tube that became a trademark look for GT.
- Bob Morales left GT to focus on his own company DYNO Designs, which GT later bought in 1985.
- Eddie Fiola's contract with GT was not renewed in 1987.
- In 1997, GT had 16 freestyle/GT Bicycle Air Show performers on its teams.
- The current GT Freestyle Team roster includes 19 named riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Freestyle BMX?
Freestyle BMX is an extreme sport in which riders perform acrobatic stunts on BMX bicycles. It grew out of BMX racing culture in the 1970s and is now governed internationally by the UCI.
What are the four disciplines of Freestyle BMX?
The sport is split into street, park, trails, and flatland. Each discipline uses different terrain and obstacles, from urban concrete features to open flat ground.
When did Freestyle BMX first appear at the Olympics?
Freestyle BMX made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo. This followed its earlier recognition by the UCI back in 2016.
What was the first official governing body for Freestyle BMX?
The American Freestyle Association (AFA), founded in 1982, is credited as the sport's earliest dedicated governing organization. It helped formalize competition rules before international bodies took over.
When was Freestyle BMX at its peak in mainstream popularity?
The sport hit its cultural peak around 1987, when stunt videos and magazine coverage brought BMX trick riding into the wider public eye. That wave of attention laid the groundwork for the modern competitive scene.
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