Team USA's Perris Benegas Earns BMX Freestyle Silver; Hannah Roberts Struggles
Paris — Every park has its quirks, its eccentricities, its charms. Every park means the world to someone who spent their days learning to ride there. But no park on earth can match the history of the Parc Urbain, the skate/cycling/breaking hub in the heart of Paris. Here, history looms on all sides, and the only way to break free of that history is to rise above it — which is literally what two sets of medalists did on Tuesday at the BMX freestyle event at Place de la Concorde.
BMX freestyle is a thrilling blend of athleticism and artistry, standing in stark contrast to its racing counterpart. Unlike BMX racing, where speed and head-to-head competition reign supreme, freestyle allows riders the freedom to showcase their creativity through an array of tricks in a set time frame. In the female competition, Team USA faced a dramatic contest, with the spotlight firmly on the talented contenders.
Perris Benegas, representing the United States, soared into the competition fueled by determination and skill. Her first run was solid, but judges were looking for a combination of technical execution and style. She launched numerous high-flying tricks, including a notable jump that had the crowd gasping in awe. However, her initial score of 83.40 did not quite meet the judges' expectations, as they sought a more fluid and stylish performance.
Conversely, only days before the event, Hannah Roberts arrived in Paris as the top qualifier, carrying immense expectations on her shoulders. As she took to the course, her initial run appeared promising; she opened with a box jump and a backflip, building momentum and confidence. Yet, the performance took an unfortunate turn when she failed to land her final front flip cleanly, resulting in a score of 70.00 — a disappointing outcome for the reigning world champion.
The competition was soon catalyzed by the extraordinary performances of other riders. Chinese athlete Deng Yawen dazzled the audience with her double tail whip and triple bar spin, securing a commanding first-round score of 92.50. Australia's Natalya Diehm followed closely, exhibiting her own flair and finishing the first round with an impressive 88.80. Meanwhile, Chile's Maracena Perez Grasset also made her mark, landing in the top three after the first runs.
As the competition continued, an emotional rollercoaster unfolded on the track. France's Laury Perez, a hometown favorite, experienced an unfortunate mishap on her very first trick, failing to recover and finishing with a score of 63.40 in her second run. Sun Jiaqi of China faced her own adversities, sustaining a scary fall that left her shaken but determined to persevere. Despite a valiant effort, she wasn’t able to clinch a medal.
In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Benegas returned for her second run, delivering a performance that catapulted her into contention for a medal. Her second score of 90.70 showcased not only her technical prowess but also an improved stylistic approach, marking a significant leap from her first attempt. As the numbers flickered on the scoreboard, the anticipation built — was it silver or bronze on the line?
As the final runs unfolded, it became apparent that Deng would solidify her position at the top. She managed to amplify her score to 92.60, ensuring at least a silver medal for herself. For Benegas, the question remained whether she would hold onto silver or slip to bronze, but things ultimately came down to Roberts. Unfortunately, in a nail-biting finish, she struggled once again, failing to land her jump cleanly and expressing her frustration by tossing her bike in defeat.
The culmination of the day left Team USA with a bittersweet triumph, highlighted by Perris Benegas’s commendable silver medal performance. Despite the challenges Hannah Roberts faced, her journey continues, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of competitive sports and the dedication it requires.
For Benegas, the silver represents not just an achievement but also a proud moment for BMX freestyle on one of the world's grandest stages. As she stood on the podium, it was a testament not only to her hard work and talent but also to the vibrant spirit of BMX freestyle, echoing through the historic arches of the Parc Urbain in Paris.