BMX Biker to represent SA in Scotland
1
5 year-old Brolin Van Wyk, formerly of Eastwood, but now residing in Scottsville, will be representing South Africa in the BMX World Cup in Scotland in August.
The under 15 BMX rider, who was champion for three years in a row, was born and raised in Eastwood and he and his family still have close ties with the community.
He began BMX riding when he was four years old, moved on to mountain biking with his father, before going back to BMX in 2019, shortly before his 11th birthday.
Brolin said that he could really recall why he returned to BMX after two years of mountain biking.
“I guess I was just looking for a sport to do. Back then, BMX wasn’t something I saw myself doing for a long time because of how much and how hard you need to work to catch up and be as good as the expert riders in your age group,” he said.
Brolin's mum, Bronwynn, said that she thinks BMX riding allows him to push himself and see a result which boosts his confidence.
“Brolin knows that he is talented but understands that he has to work hard to get better. In this regard, I believe it's teaching him to work hard for what he wants,” said his mum.
One of the highlights of his riding career thus far was getting his KZN Colours in January this year.
He was not selected as part of the SA team, but has been allowed to ride for SA at his own expense.
His role model is senior rider, Tyler Thompson, who has mentored him since 2019.
Brolin said his coach, uncle, mentor and parents have all helped him to become an expert rider.
"I remained determined despite finishing second to last in my first SA Championship. A year later, I was still doing the same thing I was doing as a beginner, just better. I began winning all of my KZN races," he added.
He said he became
KZN number one in his age group. Unfortunately, he could not race in the SA Championships in 2020, because he contracted Covid-19.
“In 2021 I did the same thing I did for the past two years. I trained hard. I was KZN number one again and this time in the SA championships in Hermanus, I came second in the final. That was one of my goals in BMX ticked off my bucket list, i.e., getting a podium position in the SA Championships. My next goal is to represent my country in the BMX World Championships,” said Brolin.
He said that he has the opportunity to represent South Africa at the BMX World Cup, but he will have to fund his own trip abroad.
His mum said that riding is his strength and BMX is where he excels. In a short period of time he has progressed tremendously, quickly earning the KZN number one title.
“He has held this title for three years in a row. He is ready, both emotionally and physically, to compete at international level and we, as his parents, coach and mentor, believe we need to feed his growth,” she said.
Brolin and his family have appealed to the public for sponsorship through the Back a Buddy platform to assist him in getting to Scotland to achieve his goals. All funds raised will go towards his flights, accommodation and food.
The Back a Buddy link is https://www.backabuddy.co.za/brolin-vanwyk-5510533958328345671.