Photo: Marnie Griffiths

Erin Lockwood is 20 years old and races BMX. She started racing when she was four years old and 16 years later she hit the pro ranks by winning her first national title in 2018 as an Elite rider.

Erin first started racing in 2003 following her older brother into the sport.

“Mum always told me that when I was younger I used to sit in my pram and watch my big brother do laps, that was until I was old enough and could get out there myself,” said Erin.

Last year was the highlight of Erin’s career where she won both national and state titles, an impressive feat in her first year as an elite rider.

These results opened up new possibilities for Erin to travel to Baku and compete in her first World Championships as an elite rider.

This opportunity would not have been possible without her result at Nationals, although she fell short of expectations at the World Championships with two crashes.

Luckily she will have another chance to wear the green and gold at this year’s World Championships happening 23-27 July in Belgium.

“A few weeks ago I found out I had been selected again as one of three females to represent Australia in Belgium,” said Erin.

She believes her preparation for this year’s World Championships has been better than last year after going to Europe earlier this year to compete in World Cup and European Cup events.

Aside from her BMX career, Erin works part-time in retail and also coaches at her local club, Nerang BMX.

“I have an awesome group of young female BMX riders who I mentor and coach, and there is now a group of beginner and intermediate riders,” said Erin.

“I love being able to give back and pass on my knowledge to the younger generations of my sport.”

Erin is a fantastic role model for other women in BMX and any other male-dominated sport. We wish her all the best in the World Championships taking place this week.