Teen chases American dream

Woorree Park BMX Club champion Corey Taylor shone brightly in round 2 of the 2017 BMX National Series in Shepparton, Victoria, earlier this month and is now sitting in equal-first position ahead of the final two rounds.

The 14-year-old Strathalbyn Christian College student will travel to Bathurst early next month and then Cairns in April to complete the series.

“The national series is about exposure and experience,” Corey’s mother Elaine said.

“In one competition, anything can happen — you can crash out and miss your shot — but the series is a chance to show consistency and figure out where you are sitting in terms of the rest of Australia.

“Last year was Corey’s first year taking part in the series and he finished up in the No.2 spot.”

As well as competing in the national series, Corey takes part in the WA Super Series State rounds each month and is reigning WA State champion for his age group.

He has his sights set on qualifying in the top 16 at the BMX Australia National Championships in April to ensure he has a spot at the 2017 BMX World Championships in South Carolina, USA, in July.

“America has always been Corey’s dream and we have been waiting for the worlds to be held there for a long time,” Elaine said.

“It is a big financial commitment, but he loves the sport and is so motivated so we hope he can get there.”

The Taylor family has always been based in Geraldton, attending BMX competitions all over WA since Corey was five.

This weekend, they will travel to Bunbury for the February State round and then Byford in March and Rockingham in April.

Corey hits the track at Woorree twice each week, heads to the gym and follows a training program set out by his Perth-based coach. “My whole life is BMX,” he said.

“I get my school work done and then if I am not training, I am watching videos of BMX riders.

“It can be rough and I have had a few big stacks in the past, but I love the competition side of the sport and doing big jumps.

“The 2024 Olympics is my goal and if I get to worlds, I can get scouted and go from there.”

Woorree Park BMC Club president Bevan Orchard said Corey was a great role model.

“Our club is very lucky to have a nationally top-ranked rider in the midst and it is fantastic to see Corey flying the flag for little old Geraldton when he travels,” he said.

“Competing at such a high level is a huge expense, but he has such a supportive family ...

if you want to be a professional and gain sponsorship, you really have to go to the US so if Corey can continue his dominance at nationals and worlds, I am sure he will be spotted.”