Dr. Dennis Blankenship, Dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, makes remarks at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium in Tulsa, Okla., on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.

OSU Medicine selected as USA BMX official sports medicine partner

Friday, September 29, 2023

Media Contact: Melani Hamilton | Managing Director of Marketing and Communications, OSU Medicine | 918-561-8462 | melani.hamilton@okstate.edu

USA BMX Foundation announced Friday that Oklahoma State University Medicine would be the organization’s official sports medicine partner for USA BMX racing events at Hardesty National BMX Stadium, BMX Foundation youth programs and the USA Cycling National Team. This partnership is set to provide essential medical care and support to a wide spectrum of the BMX community, spanning from beginner riders to elite-level athletes.

Cameron Wood rides his BMX bicycle. — Cameron Wood rides his BMX bicycle at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium.

By partnering with OSU Medicine, the USA BMX Foundation is taking a significant step toward enhancing the health of its athletes, improve athlete recovery times and advance research in new methods of optimizing elite athlete performance.

“The community collaboration with OSU is an opportunity to provide medical services to every level of our USA BMX athletes at the USA BMX National headquarters and the Hardesty National Stadium,” said Shane Fernandez, CEO of USA BMX.

OSU Medicine will provide sports medicine and athletic training services to USA BMX athletes at all stages of skill and competition — including next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

“This partnership is an amazing opportunity for OSU’s sports medicine programs to impact athletes at a national and international level,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences. “Providing dedicated sports medicine staff for the USA BMX team ensures that these athletes will benefit from a continuity of care that will enhance and improve recovery and health outcomes.”

Athletes have very unique and specific health care needs, and each sport comes with its own challenges and stressors on athletes’ bodies. BMX is no different.

Ray Hoyt, executive director of the USA BMX Foundation, makes remarks at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium.

“Having access to OSU’s medical expertise is going to allow our athletes to take their performance to the next level. When you’re an elite performer, it’s the small things that make the difference,” said Jamie Staff, high performance director for USA BMX Racing and Freestyle. “Making sure you’re healthy, fueling your body right, and keeping your muscles in the best condition possible based on the training phase you’re in are all critical to performing at the highest level. Having OSU there to help us with that aspect is going to be game-changing for our national team.”

USA BMX and OSU Medicine will also work with OSU’s Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.

“Utilizing the athletic and nutrition research and resources at HPNRI can only benefit athletes, coaches, trainers and medical staff in order to optimize individual and team performance,” said Lance Walker, HPNRI executive director.

Ray Hoyt, executive director of the USA BMX Foundation, said he’s looking forward to working with OSU Medicine to grow the success of USA BMX and its athletes.

“The foundation is excited to have OSU as our partner in providing these services to our youth programs as well as all the health benefits related to fitness and nutrition for a healthy life through BMX cycling,” Hoyt said.