When you think Olympics, BMX aren't the first three letters that come to mind, but one track in Richfield Townshp is trying to change that.
"As far as the Olympics goes, we wan't people to know that it is a possibility for them to come out to their local track and train for the future," said Richfield BMX track manager Dennis Ybarra.
Ybarra has beent he track manager in Richfield for five years, but his involvement in the sport goes back way further.
"It's the home track my oldest daughter began racing at, she was 11 at the time, she's 25 now so it tells you how long I've been out here," said Ybarra.
The sport of BMX also spans several decades, beginning in Southern California back in the 1970's.
Now Dennis has turned his attention to helping train future Olympians, like 13-year-old Jason Barid of Fenton. Barid has been racing since he ws six years old, and according to Ybarra, is one of the rising stars RIchfield BMX has to offer.
"I wouldn't doubt that he could one day have the skills to make it that far," said Ybarra.
"That's everyone's goal," said Barid. "To go to the Olympics and to go pro, that's every BMXers dream."
Since it's inception at the Olympics four years ago in Beijing, the sport itself has evolved from a hobby to a year-round comittment.
The average age of the Richfield BMX riders is 3-13, but Ybarra is starting to notice older riders staying with the sport after they realize the potential.
A chance to win a gold medal atop the Olympic podium doesn't hurt either.
