Erin’s world title quest rolling on
BOOM BMX teen Erin Lockwood will get a shot at world championships redemption next month following her “shock” selection in the Australian team to travel to Azerbaijan.
The 19-year-old from Nerang was yesterday named as one of five Australian riders to compete for a world title in the elite women category in Baku from June 5-9.
After crashing out in the junior elite semi finals at the 2017 event in the US, Lockwood had all but given up hope
of earning a spot on this year’s 17-strong national squad.
“I got told at the start of the year I’d have no chance if I wasn’t going to Europe or America this year (to compete),” Lockwood, who took an extended break after winning March’s national crown, said.
“I got the hint about a week ago that I could start focusing on training and everything again. It was a bit of a shock and a bit overwhelming.”
Fresh off a fourth-placed finish in BMX Queensland’s Shootout Series, the former Merrimac State High student said she couldn’t wait “to get over there and get the experience”.
“The elite women is full of Olympic gold medallists and Olympic finalists so it will be a crazy experience racing against people I’ve watched since I was a kid. I’m definitely confident that I’ll get around the track fine, but being up with the bigger girls it’s a bit more nerve-racking.
“The goal is always to make the final but I guess there’s not as much pressure on me being first year elite. I’m definitely going to give it a good crack.”
To sponsor Lockwood, email deb.lock@bigpond.com.