Kieran Reilly Secures Silver in BMX Freestyle at Paris 2024

Kieran Reilly, a BMX freestyle prodigy from Gateshead, has clinched the silver medal in the BMX freestyle event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 23-year-old secured a remarkable score of 93.91 points, narrowly missing the gold by just 0.91 points. The gold medal was won by Argentina’s José Torres Gil, who achieved a score of 94.82. Reilly edged out France’s Anthony Jeanjean, who finished with 93.76 points.

Reilly’s journey from skate parks in Jarrow to the Olympic podium is a testament to his dedication and skill. Competing last at the La Concorde Urban Park on July 31, Reilly delivered an impressive performance amidst a challenging field. His triumph was marked by a triumphant throw of his bike after his second run, a gesture that highlighted his excitement and relief.

The support from Reilly’s local community was palpable, with Newcastle United fans in the crowd cheering him on. Among those celebrating from home was John Morris of Urban Cycles in Hebburn, who has been building bikes for Reilly for years. Morris reflected on Reilly's journey, noting, "From the moment I met him about ten years ago, it was clear he was destined for greatness in BMX."

Reilly’s path to the final was marked by a standout performance in the qualifying round, where he achieved the highest score of 91.21, outshining American Marcus Christopher, who scored 89.48. This strong showing secured his place in the final and underscored his status as one of the sport's leading competitors.

The BMX freestyle event made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and Paris 2024 marked its second appearance. Reilly's silver medal adds to the sport’s growing legacy and highlights his exceptional skills and perseverance. Although Charlotte Worthington, the women’s BMX freestyle champion, was unable to advance past the qualifiers, Reilly’s achievement stands as a proud moment for Team GB.