US, Chicago: Olympic gold medalist BMX rider Charlotte Worthington is heading to the US to live out the dream.
Worthington, originally from Manchester but later relocating to Northamptonshire, won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The 28-year-old shared that her decision to move abroad came after a challenging time when her mental health significantly declined. She assured fans that, despite the move, she will continue competing for Team GB while living in the US.
Worthington has long-standing ties to Northamptonshire, even before it became home to a renowned urban sports venue.My grandparents lived in East Carlton, where my grandad worked at the Corby steelworks, she shared. Whenever my mum went to Manchester for university, I frequently pleaded with her to take me back to Corby so I could train at Adrenaline Alley, which is still considered one of the premier training facilities globally.
In 2021, she was selected to represent Team GB in the first-ever Olympic BMX Freestyle competition at the Tokyo Games, where she made history as the sport's first female Olympic gold medalist. Reflecting on her win, she described it as a huge dream come true, leading to invitations to prestigious events and receiving an MBE. However, the pressure of living up to her newfound status took a toll. After her underdog victory in Tokyo, BMX, once a childhood passion, became a source of immense stress.
Worthington revealed that her mental struggles intensified last year. She told the BBC, I wasn't taking time to celebrate my successes or giving myself space when things didn't go as planned. It was terrifying to think how quickly I went from being one of the best riders to struggling with basic tricks, all because my mind was in overdrive. When you're completely exhausted and stressed, you lose control, and your emotions take over.
The support from her family, friends, British Cycling, and fellow athletes who had faced similar challenges helped her through this difficult period.
Determined to enjoy the sport again, she competed at the Paris Games this summer and found joy in the experience, even though she didn't make it to the final. Now, she's leaving her quiet life in Mawsley, near Kettering, for Pennsylvania's vibrant scene.
America is the origin of BMX and action sports, and we really embrace that lifestyle, she mentioned. There are certainly sacrifices involved—though I have a great affection for England and am grateful for all it has given me. I’ll still represent Team GB, but we're taking a chance to live out the dream while we can.
