06.24.08 - Canadian Cycling Association officially nominates BMX rider Samantha Cools to Olympic team

OTTAWA – Samantha Cools of Airdrie, Alta., was officially nominated to the Olympic team in women’s BMX cycling on Tuesday.

BMX cycling is making its official Olympic debut in Beijing and the 22-year-old Cools is honoured to be Canada’s first-ever Olympic nominee in the sport.

"It will be in the record books for ever, so that’s pretty exciting," said Cools, coming off a fifth place finish at the world championships last month in China. "I feel my chances for a medal at the Olympics are very good and I’m very motivated about it.’’

Cools currently trains in Aigle, Switzerland at the UCI Training Centre which has an exact replica of the Beijing track. She is coached in Europe by Herve Krebs.

‘’Sam is very motivated right now,’’ said Krebs. ‘’At the end of everyday of training she wants to be sure she’s done everything she can to be as fast as possible. She’s hungry to get the gold medal. It’s amazing.’’

Canadian national team BMX coach Tanya Dubnicoff said BMX cycling will make a big splash at the Games.

‘’It’ll be one of the most popular sports at the Games,’’ said Dubnicoff. ‘’The speed, agility and strength of these athletes is very impressive.’’

Canada’s qualified one spot in men’s BMX. A ride-off between Scott Erwood of Abbotsford, B.C., and Jim Brown of Calgary for the spot will take place next month in San Diego.