Bay Village’s Huck Kurinsky Soars to Fourth National BMX Title

Bay Village fifth-grader Huck Kurinsky achieved a remarkable feat by winning his fourth consecutive USA BMX Freestyle National Championship in San Diego, California, on the weekend of October 11–12, 2023. Competing in the 9–10 age division, Huck delivered an impressive performance that solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.

This victory marks a significant milestone in Huck’s journey, which began just a few years ago. After starting BMX at the age of three during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he quickly evolved from a local talent to a nationally recognized competitor. His recent win at the national championship showcased his technical skills and creative flair, earning him a leading score among young riders from across the country.

Huck expressed his excitement following the competition, stating, “Winning my fourth title feels amazing. I’ve been working hard all year, and it’s awesome seeing it pay off. I love riding with my friends and learning from some of the best in the world.”

The young champion rode a Huffy BMX bike, equipped with the new Sledgehammer freestyle frame. This frame, a first for Huffy since the 1990s, was co-developed with Olympic athlete Nick Bruce and Huck, showcasing his growing influence in the BMX community.

Historic Achievements and Community Impact

Huck’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just six years old, he made headlines as the youngest rider to land a BMX backflip on his first attempt at Woodward West in California. This year, he expanded his horizons by competing in his first international event in Toronto, Canada, where he also secured a victory. His talents have garnered attention from major platforms, including ESPN, and he has made appearances at high-profile events such as the SLS Super Final in Cleveland, where he met celebrities like Machine Gun Kelly.

Beyond his competitive success, Huck is dedicated to giving back to his community. As Huffy’s Global Youth Ambassador, he promotes bike safety through initiatives like the Ohio Academy of Pediatrics’ “Put a Lid on It” helmet-awareness program. His outreach efforts include visiting five Ronald McDonald Houses across the Midwest to donate bikes and scooters to families in need, as well as leading annual charity events like the “Bike to Cure,” supporting cancer research in memory of his late grandmother, Susan Althoff.

“Huck embodies what we hope all young athletes can be,” said a representative from the Bay Village City School District. “He’s exceptional in his sport, but he’s also an exceptional student and an exceptional person who cares deeply about his community.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Juggling a national athletic career, academic responsibilities, and competitive soccer is no small feat for a 10-year-old. Yet Huck manages to maintain a balance, supported by his family and classmates at Bay Middle School. His peers and teachers celebrate his achievements while ensuring he remains grounded in the everyday experiences of childhood.

With BMX freestyle included in the Olympic Games since Tokyo 2020, Huck’s aspirations have intensified. He views the Olympics not merely as a dream but as a tangible goal that drives his training and competition schedule. Already competing at the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup in France, Huck is gaining invaluable international experience under the guidance of U.S. Cycling Head Coach Jamie Bestwick.

If his current trajectory continues, Huck could represent the United States in the Olympics as soon as the 2028 Los Angeles Games, when he will be just 13 years old, or more likely in 2032 at 17. For now, he remains focused on his development as a rider, excelling academically, enjoying soccer, and relishing moments of childhood.

Huck Kurinsky’s fourth consecutive national championship is a testament to his dedication and the promise of even greater achievements ahead. As he pedals into the future, both Bay Village and the wider BMX community will be keenly watching his journey, proud to call Huck one of their own.