Photo by Naoki Gaman |
16 years ago in 2003, when Hannah Roberts (2017 UCI BMX Freestyle Women's World Champion) was 1 year old, women in BMX had their first clinic at X Games. It wasn't until 11 years later in 2014 that the first demo was announced.
"In 2014 the relationship began with “Practice sessions” they sometimes referred to as demos, but to be clear, in the most recent conversation according to X Games, they were officially practice sessions, started off with 4 women, on the street course at the same time with the men for a few hours. Every year I tried to push for an official event, got denied then pushed again for them to at least allow a few more women to attend and also for it to be moved to the park course and out of the men’s way." - Nina Buitrago
Over the years, X Games has provided reasons for not holding a contest for the women, marketing value being one of the key elements. Are the guys going to have more viewership? YES... of course, they better be considering they've been a part of X Games since the first one in 1995. Like any new character added to a long-running show, you need to give it some time to grow. Ronda Rousey didn't make history with PPV buys until her 12th fight. The difference between Ronda Rousey starting out and Women in BMX? Aside from the obvious, we already have reputable competitions backing women's BMX, and the ladies are coming in hot with a large following. Check out the combined reach of some of the ladies competing today made by Angie Marino.



There were other reasons given that don't quite measure up, like time, scheduling, and budgets. Considering the climate we're in today, it's shocking that X Games has failed to stay current, and if they stay the course, very soon if not already, they're going to be left behind. Sources have told us that the women even gave up their offered appearance fees this year, just so that X Games could have the budget to put a prize purse together and run a real contest. Despite trying to solve the budget issue, a demo was offered again this year ... which begs the question, what happened to that time and scheduling issue?
"With the Olympics less than 1 year way, it actually is asking too much for everyone to pay their own way out from 10 different countries for a demo." - Nina Buitrago
This is a prime time to be investing in women's sports, especially in BMX with the Olympics coming up and countless projects in the works, with women in mind. Check out and download this Nielsen Sports research project highlighting the untapped potential and new commercial opportunities in women's sports.
In the past few days, the amount of support we've seen from YOU has been amazing! However, what caught my attention was a few people who supported us, but used the word bandwagon. Although I understand where this is coming from, one thing has to be understood. The movement we're making here isn't just for the current generation of women in BMX, it's for the next generation too.
To X Games, we do appreciate the years you provided the women the opportunity to demo, but we respectively have to decline now. We look forward to the day when the women are offered the opportunity to compete at X Games.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
- Post a photo of you riding, tag @xgames, @thebloombmx and put out your opinion.
- Tag media, bike stores, bike parks, etc, to get our story out to the masses. Outlets like @nytimes @la_times @telemundo @cbc.sports @nbcsports @theellenshow @thegrahamnortonshow etc
- Share this post, spread the word.
I feel like Xgames lost it's relevance when they started inviting atheletes. Shine on you crazy diamonds! Will watch girls bmx at Vans, Fise, and any where else that thinks progression. As a "Lifer" bmxer watching the girls class is like revisiting those progression moments from a few years ago. Enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteTo put it in dollars and cents, in 2009 GameStop reported nearly $2.5 million dollars in revenue from the sale of used consoles and used games.gamepokerqq
ReplyDeleteIt was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks. SextoyUyTin.Com
ReplyDeleteThe last was unquestionably my best buy ever, and one that will be utilized more than everything else in my storm cellar. It's just plain obvious, I'm an eager Holdem player and I'm continually welcoming individuals to the following game. situs poker online uang asli gamepokerqq
ReplyDeleteMany homework on the continual hunt along with offstage on the road to winning. Definitely not attached, simple to-fall as a result of wayside; And not investigation, afterward into a path travel toward the black. mgm바카라
ReplyDeleteA game which has rules is an online poker game, where each game has a specific set of rules that differ between every casino on the net or website's setting.우리카지노
ReplyDeleteYou have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you. 서포터주소
ReplyDeletePuzzle Games: These popular games are for people who don't like too much violence. They are played by people of all ages and help you sharpen your mind. Puzzle games are loved by all age group people.바둑이사이트
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. Bolt Posts
ReplyDeleteSome video game titles are tailored towards education. By selecting academic choices, you could offer your youngsters with hours of enjoyable and safe games enjoyment.안전놀이터
ReplyDelete