Australian BMX star Lauren Reynolds is preparing for one of the most meaningful competitions of her career as she lines up at the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane. While Reynolds has represented Australia at the highest level for more than two decades, this year's championships are different for one special reason—she is competing as a mother for the first time.
The 35-year-old four-time Olympian will race in front of a home crowd with her eight-month-old daughter, Royce, cheering from the sidelines. Reynolds said motherhood has completely changed her outlook on racing, giving her greater balance and perspective while strengthening her motivation to perform. Rather than feeling additional pressure, she says returning home to her daughter after training reminds her that there is more to life than results alone.
Royce, who was carried by Reynolds' wife Ryan, is visiting Australia for the first time. The World Championships will also be the baby's first opportunity to meet her Australian grandparents, making the event a memorable family occasion beyond the racing itself. Reynolds described having her daughter at a home World Championships as something she never imagined would happen during her career.
The Brisbane championships hold extra significance because Reynolds has a long history with the venue. She spent many years training at the Sleeman Sports Complex, the same facility that will host the BMX events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Returning to a track filled with childhood memories has made the event especially meaningful.
Reynolds is one of Australia's most experienced BMX riders, making her 16th elite World Championship appearance. During her career she has represented Australia at four Olympic Games and won a silver medal at the 2013 UCI BMX World Championships. Despite being one of the oldest competitors in the elite women's field, she believes experience has become one of her greatest strengths.
The Australian rider has experienced both highs and setbacks throughout her career. After being removed from Cycling Australia's elite program in 2017, Reynolds rebuilt her career through determination and consistent performances on the international circuit. Recent World Cup events have shown she remains competitive against the world's best riders, proving that age is not a barrier to success in elite BMX racing.
The Brisbane World Championships provide Australia with a rare opportunity to compete for rainbow jerseys on home soil. Reynolds joins Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara, Izaac Kennedy, Josh Jolly and a strong Australian squad aiming to deliver outstanding performances in front of passionate local supporters.
Reynolds says she now embraces being one of the most experienced riders in the field. While younger competitors bring speed and energy, she believes years of racing have taught her valuable lessons about preparation, confidence and managing pressure. Those qualities, combined with the motivation of racing for her daughter, have given her renewed belief heading into the championships.
As Brisbane welcomes the world's best BMX athletes, Reynolds hopes to create another memorable chapter in her remarkable career. Regardless of the final result, competing at a home World Championships with her family beside her represents one of the proudest moments of her sporting journey.
