American BMX rider Perris Benegas claimed a silver medal in the thrilling women’s BMX freestyle competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her consistent performance, highlighted by a daring second run, propelled her to the podium.
Benegas’ journey to the silver medal was marked by resilience and determination. After finishing fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, where the sport made its Olympic debut, she faced challenges and setbacks. However, with the unwavering support of her team, Benegas persevered and channeled her experiences into a powerful performance in Paris..
Competition Performance
Benegas began her day with a solid first run, scoring 83.40 points, which placed her in fourth position. This was the position from which she qualified for the final. Her second run was particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to soar through the air with an emphasis on high-flying tricks that captivated the judges. The increased difficulty and execution of her second run were pivotal in earning her the silver medal.
Benegas’ achievement is especially significant considering her performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where BMX freestyle made its debut. At that time, she finished just shy of the podium in fourth place. Her silver medal at Paris 2024 not only reflects her growth and perseverance but also her ability to overcome previous setbacks.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on her journey, Benegas shared her emotional experience: “During the whole thing, obviously, I have highs and lows. The lows are really low. And luckily I was surrounded by amazing people who were able to motivate me and inspire me to keep going during that time. But yes, this was always in the back of my head, and yeah, just being here was such a win. Walking away with a medal was huge.”
Background and Career
Perris Benegas hails from Reno, Nevada, and currently resides in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Her journey into BMX freestyle began early, inspired by her older brother and his friends. Despite being the only girl among them, Benegas quickly developed her skills and became a prominent figure in the sport.
In 2018, Benegas won the gold medal in BMX freestyle park at the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Chengdu, China. She competed alongside fellow American riders Angie Marino and Hannah Roberts, who took second and third place, respectively. This victory was a significant milestone in her career and highlighted her talent on an international stage.
Benegas’ career has been marked by a combination of determination, skill, and resilience. Her silver medal at Paris 2024 is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Personal Information
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | Perris Benegas |
Date of Birth | July 22, 1995 |
Hometown | Reno, Nevada |
Residence | Fuquay Varina, North Carolina |
Professional Teams | Haro BMX |
Perris Benegas’ performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a significant achievement in her BMX freestyle career, showcasing her exceptional skills and the culmination of years of dedication.
Also Read- USA Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024: A Complete List
Here’s the table summarizing the results of the Women’s BMX Freestyle Park Final at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
Position | Athlete | Country | Points |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Deng Yawen | China | 92.60 |
2 | Perris Benegas | United States | 90.70 |
3 | Natalya Diehm | Australia | 88.80 |
4 | Queen Saray Villegas Serna | Colombia | 88.00 |
5 | Macarena Perez Grasset | Chile | 84.55 |