Barton Peveril student bidding to become number one in BMX racing

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College student, Samantha Baird was ranked number one in her age group for BMX racing prior to the pandemic.

But having experienced disruption to her training due to restrictions, dropped down to seventh nationally.

Now though the student, who has previously competed internationally in events in the USA, Azerbaijan, and Belgium, is bidding to retake her crown at the top as she is due to head to France for the 2022 BMX Racing World Championships.

Taking place between July 27 and July 31, Baird will compete in the over 17 category.

Barton Peveril student, Samantha Baird

Having previously studied at The Toynbee School, Baird is also part of the National School of Racing (NSR) which gives her the opportunity to improve her skill alongside the best riders in the country.

As part of NSR, Baird travels to Manchester every month to attend training sessions and masterclasses to help her in her bid to represent Team GB at the next Olympics.

She said: “I have achieved a few things over the last few years like National number one, British number 8 and received several sponsorships but then I lost my motivation.

"However, in the last year, I am back as I became National number 7, British number 7 and, on the 5th of December 2021, I was asked to ride for a new team, Mongoose. I’m now motivated and on the pathway for big successes.”