After overseeing Australia’s return to the top of international competition, Sam Willoughby has made the difficult decision to withdraw as National BMX Race Coach.
The two-time world champion cited personal health as the reason for relinquishing the role, which involves relentlessly leading teams around the world for Olympic qualification events.
“It has been an honour coaching the Australian BMX Racing team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with some of the best riders in the world alongside an incredible performance team of staff,” Willoughby said.
“I have learned a lot from this experience, and I feel confident that the BMX Race program is well equipped leading into the Paris Olympic Games.
“I am looking forward to exploring new horizons and sharing my knowledge of the sport in a different capacity, while continuing to help shape the future of BMX Racing in Australia.”
Since taking on the role in early 2022, Willoughby fostered an elite athlete environment that has Australia well positioned for a successful assault on the Paris Olympic Games and beyond.
Under his tutelage, Saya Sakakibara and Izaac Kennedy have both bounced back from major injuries and will figure large in the 2024 season, Bodi Turner has made a late-career resurgence, while Lauren Reynolds continues to podium at the international level.
Willoughby also played an intrinsic role in building a foundation for future success in the sport, contributing to international development camps, coach education sessions, and the National Training Sessions at Brisbane SX that set Australian riders against international standards.
AusCycling is now transitioning to a Performance model with targeted coaches supporting Paris Olympic prospects, and in this context, Willoughby will stay involved in the Performance space, continuing to coach Reynolds in the lead up to Paris.
No direct replacement will be made to immediately fill the role of National Coach, with a new Performance program to be implemented after the Games. Luke Madill will act as the point of contact and manage the National team at upcoming Supercross events.
AusCycling Head Coach of Acceleration & Action Scott Gardner reflected on Willoughby’s contribution to the Performance program, and his role in preparing Australia’s elite athletes for Paris.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Sam or the work that he’s done to give our best riders the opportunity they have leading into the Paris Olympic Games,” Gardner said.
“Although he will still have a role to play in building Australia’s BMX future, he will be sorely missed in a daily capacity by myself and the performance support team.
“What he has adapted to in recent years is a testimony to such an elite human being. We wish him all the best as he takes this time to improve his health and come out back on top of the world.”
In addition to the recent BMX Racing National Championships in Shepparton and the upcoming UCI World Cups in Brisbane, Willoughby’s contribution leaves BMX Racing in Australia in an exciting position for the future.
More information and future plans for 2024 will be shared in individual sessions with riders over the coming weeks.
Main image: Nico van Dartel @navadanet
