We caught up with BMX legend Kevin Robinson just before he took to the ramps for the BMX Big Air contest at the X Games...
Your drive is legendary, where does it come from?
From my upbringing – my mum and dad always taught me to give 100% no matter what you do.
Who is your hero?
My heroes are my mum and dad. Dad has taught me how to face the most challenging adversities and how to persevere through them. At the end of the day we're all equal. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. My mum has taught me how to be compassionate.
Who are you bringing to the X Games to cheer you on?
I’ve brought my beautiful wife, Robin.
What’s the atmosphere like at the X Games compared to any other event?
X Games is the biggest contest of the year and carries the highest pressure to perform your best to make your sponsors happy and the crowd happy. The energy level is awesome....
Who are your biggest rivals at the games?
Myself. I don't worry about what anyone else can do when I'm riding, I worry about myself and what I want to accomplish. To me, it's not about anyone else.
Is there a good feeling of camaraderie among the athletes?
Not as much as there used to be. Over the past few years I’ve seen a bit of the camaraderie slip away. Most of us veterans got into this sport to express ourselves artistically on our bikes. It was never about winning, it was about progression and sharing the common bond of loving to ride. Today, there are a lot more rivalries and kids are losing focus on why they are on their bikes in the first place.
Are there any younger riders who have really impressed you?
Zach Warden and Anthony Napolitan. Zach has a lot of talent and is just starting to scratch the surface with his abilities. When the man he is meets the rider he can be, it's going to be one hell of a match. And Anthony because he approaches his riding in such a youthful, happy way – it's so refreshing to see in a young talent these days...
Do you have any special tricks planned?
I have nothing special planned. I’m carrying an injuring coming in to this year so my plan is to stay safe and be able to walk away from this weekend healthy.
Do you have any pre-comp rituals or superstitions?
Yeah... good things brings good karma, bad things brings bad karma. simple as that.
What’s been your X Games highlight(s) so far?
My biggest accomplishment was pulling the double flair. It took a lot of sweat equity to finally land that trick. It was a dream come true.
Would you encourage your kids to follow in your footsteps?
I wouldn't encourage them – or force them – but if they choose to go down the same path, then I'll support them 100%. What I really I want is for them to carve their own paths in life.
If they did follow you, what sport do you think they would excel in?
My son, Kevin Jr, absolutely loves his bike. I can see him following in my footsteps. My daughter may follow in my wife's footsteps and be a gymnast
What do you drive when you’re not riding on a bike?
I used to drive my X Games Subaru – (pauses) too many tickets – so I now drive a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, beat up, with manual windows and locks. So I’m going back to the simple life.
Which movie star would play you in a biopic of your life?
My life is a Rocky story, so it would have to be anyone who has a million to one shot at success.
If not BMX, is there any of the other sport you’d fancy switching to?
GOLF! Especially at this point in my life – there’s less chance of injury!
Look, ma! No Hands! Watch Kevin Robinson's gold medal run at the X Games on Saturday afternoon.
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