New BMX freestyle training facility in South Jordan
Jul 24, 2024, 8:00 AM
(Canva)
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — South Jordan is now the home to USA Cycling’s new BMX Freestyle Training facility.
The training facility finished up in March. Since six cyclists from Team USA were using it to get ready to compete in Paris, the owners kept it under wraps.
Joe Sirlin is the Founder and President of Core Athlete, which runs this state-of-the-art, unique facility. They tried to incorporate every possible feature that could appear in a contest within the 34-foot tall, 18,000-square-foot space.
“The pure size of it is very unique,” Sirlin said. “The ramp size as well as the footprint of the building with its ceiling heights. There is just no place in the United States that has this style of course.”
USA Cycling said BMX freestyle has seen a huge spike in popularity since becoming an Olympic sport in 2020. Sirlin, who is a construction and development professional by trade, became interested in a project like this after his 14-year-old daughter got involved in international competitions. He did not understand why the U.S. did not have a FISE-style course here in the States.
After a couple of months of gathering partners and funding, Sirlin said they were able to construct the park in about six weeks.
Sirlin said with this new facility, they hope to host national competitions and provide a training ground for all current and future Olympians.
“Until LA 2028, this facility’s goal is to be the host of all events, but also host all the people who are trying to compete to go to those games as well,” Sirlin said.
Heather Peterson is a reporter and producer for KSL NewsRadio. She also produces Utah’s Noon News.