As we head into 2026, the UCI recently announced two new athlete representatives across several disciplines, including the induction of Cory Coffey (USA) and Daniel Dhers (VEN), who have been selected to represent BMX Freestyle athletes. We caught up with Cory Coffey to talk about what her new role with the UCI looks like, how it connects to her work on the Team USA Athletes’ Commission and what it all means for the riders. The goal is simple: To help you understand what resources are out there and who’s in your corner as an athlete.
Hey Cory, what motivated you to apply for these roles, and what made you want to run with Daniel Dhers?
I want this sport to continue to get better for all the riders, and I knew this was the pathway to make a positive change. Daniel and I worked together in the beginning days of the UCI before it was an actual role. We are both committed to improving the sports and rules with the athletes’ voice at the forefront. Daniel and I have been competing for a long time and have seen quite a bit. We have an athlete’s understanding of what goes on at events and how rules work. We are both dedicated to BMX and only want the best for it.
What is your responsibility to the athletes as a UCI Athletes Commission?
We bring the Athletes’ voice forward. The commission is responsible for proposing BMX Freestyle–specific regulations, calendars, and financial obligations, as well as carrying out any additional tasks assigned by the UCI Regulations or the UCI Management Committee
Was there a moment in your athletic career when you realized that athletes needed stronger representation at the table, and what kind of changes or progress do you hope to see in the next few years?
I realized this a long time ago … before we ever had a women’s class, or even when women weren’t paid equally. You can complain all you want in sports, but it does nothing. If you want to ever make a notable change, you need to do it through these pathways. We want to see more transparency, athletes being stoked on their sport and competitions, the field continuing to grow around the world and for the whole world to see this amazing sport we have.
For riders looking to get involved in governance or advocacy within their sport, where should they start?
Great question! First, you can get involved with your National Governing Body Athlete Commission, or maybe you have an internal Athletes Advisory group. Get involved, learn all of the rules and regulations within your NGB, and the UCI. Happy to help anyone interested in this. It’s a great way to stay involved when you are done competing.
You’re also part of the Team USA Athletes Commission and Board of Directors at USA Cycling. What is that, and are there any conflicts?
The Team USA Athletes Commission is the official representative body for Team USA athletes. It facilitates communication with the USOPC, provides input to the USOPC board, and includes athlete reps from every Olympic, Paralympic, Pan/Parapan American Games sport, plus USOPC-managed sports. USA Cycling is governed by its Board of Directors, I’m one of 4 Athlete Directors, and our job is to be the Athletes voice to the forefront. All of this exists to make the sport better.
There are no conflicts … each role has its own specialty and requires many different things. But at the core of all the roles is the athlete’s voice. So they do kind of all work together.
How do I (a UCI Athlete) approach you when I have a problem?
I’m available whenever … reach out through cell, text, WhatsApp or instagram. It’s always better to reach out sooner rather than later. @misscorycoffey
