A 16-year-old Richmond BMX rider was one of the top 30 athletes chosen for a chance to possibly participate in the Olympics.
Lucas Zhou was among more than 2,500 athletes who took part in the ninth annual RBC Training Ground event held in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee and regional Canadian Sport Institutes.
Zhou was selected among 100 finalists at the talent search finals held in Halifax on Nov. 2.
This means the Richmond teen has been awarded funding and is on an accelerated path to the Olympics after impressing scouts at the event.
"As you know, there are many talented athletes out there and I'm really happy that I got this opportunity," said Zhou, adding it is an honour and privilege to be selected.
He also thanked his coach and RBC Training Ground for believing in him.
Zhou said he has profited from consistent training and is happy about his progress and is looking forward to his competitions next year.
"This year due to weather conditions, the World Championships in Rock Hill got cancelled before the knockout rounds so I didn’t finish the way I wanted to but after that, my training and focus were moved on winning the U.S. Grands and I just did it last week in Tulsa, Oklahoma."
The Junior Elite, World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, Canadian Championships in Alberta and the U.S. National series are all on Zhou's competition list.
When asked what it means for him to be on a path towards the Olympics, Zhou said he enjoys the process.
"It's day in and day out, but I love it. It definitely keeps me busy.
"Obviously, the Olympics is the ultimate final goal but there are lots of steps in between that I need to focus on and get ready for."
At his age, Zhou’s power numbers are at the level of some U23 athletes, said national team coach and BMX lead at Cycling Canada Adam Muys.
“This is important, as combined with his skills on the bike, we think he could be one of the world's best junior riders next year,” he added.
With files from Adam Campbell
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