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Remembering Kevin Robinson, Legend and Hero
An incredible athlete, role model and father leaves a legacy of inspiration.
Within sport, certain athletes are revered not only for their accomplishments but also for their strength of character. Kevin Robinson sits high in their ranks, a man who drove himself to achieve grand heights but took equal joy from helping those around him realize their own potential. Sadly, he suffered a sudden stroke and passed away on Dec. 9, 2017, at just 45 years old. There won’t be another like him.
Kevin Robinson
© Mark Losey/Red Bull Content Pool
Growing up, “K-Rob” discovered BMX riding and decided quickly that he was going to make a difference in the sport. Setting the tone for the rest of his life, he dedicated himself to making that dream happen, conquering every setback armed with the knowledge that he would never give up.
Kevin Robinson at X Games 2014
© Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool
He went on to become one of the most prominent pros of the BMX vert scene, earning four X Games gold medals and setting the world-record BMX high air in 2008 in New York’s Central Park (photo below). One of the many highlights in his career happened at the 2006 X Games when he won the inaugural BMX Big Air competition as well as Vert Best Trick by landing the first-ever double flair, a feat that would not be duplicated by another rider for nine years.
Kevin Robinson soars over the crowd in NYC
© Christian Pondella/Red Bull Content Pool
K-Rob was an inspiration far beyond the achievements on his BMX resume, however, and that’s why he is so fondly remembered. He always pushed forward. He built his life on a bedrock of perseverance, and he made sure that foundation was big enough to also support anyone he met who had a dream, a struggle, a desire to change, a longing to improve. The list of lives he touched within BMX is long, but the ranks of those he played some kind of mentoring role to in general life seems to have no end.
Kevin Robinson in action at X Games 2012
© Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool
Through the K-Rob Foundation (founded in 2010), he and wife Robin have worked to transform the lives of young people in his native East Providence, Rhode Island. The foundation helped establish a safe, local skatepark and strives to make athletics available to all children who want to take part. Through speaking engagements, Kevin instilled the importance of setting goals and working through adversity to achieve them, no doubt inspiring all who heard his words.
5 min
Kevin Robinson Retires from X Games Competition
KRob gives his thoughts on retiring from X Games competition after the 2013 BMX Big Air event.
During an interview discussing his retirement from X Games competition in 2013 (video above), Robinson was asked what he wanted his legacy to be in BMX, how he’d like to be remembered. “For never holding back, always giving it my all, never making excuses and just pushing the boundaries as much as I could,” he replied. “And that I was a good guy in the meantime.”
Kevin Robinson
© Matt Lingo/Red Bull Content Pool
Recent social media posts reveal the many BMX riders grateful for the role K-Rob played in their careers and their personal lives, and consistently remind us of his boundless heart and infectious, ever-present smile. Robinson joined the Red Bull family in 2002 and left an indelible mark and unforgettable influence. Our thoughts are now with Robin, their three children and the rest of his friends and family.
Kevin was like a father to me. And in many ways he was like a father to a lot of people. He didn’t just want to see his family and friends be successful, he wanted to see the next complete stranger he met on the street become everything that they could be. The world lost the one and only K-Rob. They don’t make them like him anymore.
"When I first met Kevin I was about 15 years old, visiting Woodward Camp for a contest. I got to ride with him in Lot 8 and I remember him introducing himself to all of the BMX campers. At the time I was intimidated because he was one of the big pros. After talking to him for a couple minutes I realized he was a lot nicer than any pro I've ever met — just a straight-up, down-to-earth person. At the end of my stay at Woodward my dad let me know that Red Bull wanted to flow me product. I later found out that Kevin was the one who set it all up. I could have never thanked him enough for that opportunity. It just goes to show that not only was he passionate about growing BMX, but he was also such a caring and giving person. Even though we come from two different disciplines within BMX I've always looked up to his passion and dedication to his craft and all the ways he influenced riding. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We will never forget what Kevin has done for the sport; he's a true legend. Ride in paradise." — Garrett Reynolds, pro BMX rider
