Forster's Oli Moran has proven his talent is world-class by claiming a silver medal at the 2019 UCI BMX World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Year 11 student from Great Lakes College became the first Australian to make the podium in the junior elite men's category since Geelong's Brandon Te Hiko claimed bronze back in 2015.
"I was just really happy to make the finals," he said.
"It exceeded all expectations."
I wasn't thinking about anything else - just pedalling.
- Oli Moran
Following a dominant performance in his motos (heats), Oli qualified for the final after finishing third in his quarter-final and fourth in his semi.
With heavy rain making the track slippery, he faced challenging conditions but managed to keep it together where others faltered to finish second behind France's Tatyan Lui Hin Tsan.
"I didn't have the best start in the final," he admitted.
"I was lagging behind in the first straight and then everyone just fell down. I managed to dodge them and I just kept pedalling. I wasn't thinking about anything else - just pedalling."
Having previously won bronze at the world championships, Oli is now intent on claiming the one medal that eludes him.
"My main goal for next year is to win a worlds," he said.
"I've gotten a third and a second, just haven't gotten that first."
Related:
Following this latest result, Oli plans to take it easy for a short while before getting back into training, with strength the key thing he wants to improve on for next year.
He also picked up some handy insights into what it takes to reach the elite level while at the championships.
Staying with Australian professional rider Kai Sakakibara, he witnessed firsthand the work and dedication that went into his daily routine.
"It's all the little one per cent stuff that makes the difference," Oli said.
"Just how serious they take it."
With another year of school ahead and the immediate goal of winning gold at next year's world championships to focus on, Oli's not looking too far into the future, but he's fairly sure a professional career in Europe is beckoning him.
He's got the support of the right people too, with his coach and former Olympian Luke Madill believing he's got the potential to represent Australia at the 2024 Olympics.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.
