Bovill’s sporting dreams kickstarted by chance holiday destination

Abraham Smith

Derby star Bovill, 18, is one of Britain’s top BMX prospects and has embarked on his biggest competitive year yet, with a string of European and World Cup events leading up to the BMX World Championships in Glasgow.

And perhaps more than any other athlete, he has his parents to thank for a conveniently located campsite that stokes the fires of Bovill’s competitive ambitions.

“What first attracted me was that I was holidaying in Bristol and right next to the Bristol BMX track was our campsite where we stayed for the week,” said Bovill, who is funded by a partnership between SportsAid and Aldi.

“I saw it and told my parents I’d like to try it. We walked and found out what the closest route to my house was. I went, did my first session there and have loved it ever since.

“I finished third at the European Championships when I was 13 and one of my proudest moments was the 2019 British Championship.

“I was racing three years older than my age and I won at my home circuit – that was one of my biggest successes.”

SportsAid Week 2023 is here, with the annual promotion launched in 2016 from Monday 6th March to Sunday 12th March.

This year’s theme focuses on “Accessibility and Inclusion” as the charity puts the spotlight on the country’s most talented young athletes and celebrates the incredible work being done by its partners to support the future of British sport.

The BMX World Championships in Glasgow is a huge boost for Bovill as the opportunity to compete in a global event in his home country is not to be missed.

And recent British success in the BMX world has inspired the teenager even further, with a place at the Tokyo Olympics an option.

“It’s amazing that it’s in Glasgow. It’s great that most of my family – who normally watch TV – can now come and watch it, which means a lot to me,” added Bovill, who is supported by SportsAid and commercial partner MBC.

“That is a very big motivation for me. It forces me to work harder as I want to put on a show for them.

“My goal is to become a full-time GB athlete and go to the Olympics at the moment, but maybe as a reserve. I don’t really like the Olympic years, but it’s doable – and that’s my goal.

“My idol in the UK is Kai White, he’s so laid back and achieves so many things and doesn’t let it bother him.

“For him and Beth Shriever in Tokyo it was a huge inspiration because we didn’t really see it and it made people train harder because it shows that it’s possible to do it yourself!”

SportsAid Week 2023 will take place from Monday, March 6th to Sunday, March 12th! Join us for an engaging week of fun and awareness-raising around the topic of accessibility and inclusion. Please visit www.sportsaid.org.uk

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