Bozeman’s Cameron Wood Olympic BMX Racer

He clinched a U.S. Open title for 7- and 8-year-olds at just 6 years old. By age 9, he had consistently placed in the top eight at Grand Nationals for three years in a row. Wood thrived on competition and the thrill of victory, even though it brought higher expectations for himself.

“I get extremely nervous,” he revealed to the Chronicle in 2010. “It’s a pressure-packed sport, and I just have this intense desire to win that my mind blanks out.”

After fourteen years, not much has changed. Reflecting on his past words, Wood chuckled but acknowledged that his mindset remains unchanged.

“There’s a lot of truth to that,” he admitted. “When the gate drops, you’re filled with excitement and adrenaline, and your mind does go blank. Your heart yearns for victory, and the spirit of competition takes over.”

It’s difficult to find fault in that mental approach, especially considering how far it has brought him.

Wood, originally from Great Falls but raised in Bozeman, will proudly represent the United States in BMX racing at the upcoming Paris Olympics. His quest will begin with the quarterfinals on Thursday (starting at noon Mountain Time) in order to advance to the semifinals on Friday (noon) and ultimately the final (1:35 p.m.). Wood is one of four Montanans competing in the 2024 Games.

Having long anticipated his selection to the Olympic team based on USA Cycling’s point-based qualification system, Wood still cherished the official announcement made on June 18.

“It was a different feeling when it was put in writing, when it became real,” he expressed. “It was a special moment to share with my family, friends, and everyone who has supported my journey up to that point.”

Wood began cycling at the age of 3 and reached an expert level in racing by age 5. He spent his formative years racing at the Gallatin Valley BMX track in town, refining his skills and travelling with his parents to competitions across the country, often as the sole Montana contestant in his age group.

Qualifying for the Olympics was a dream from an early age, especially after witnessing American men Mike Day and Donny Robinson secure silver and bronze at BMX’s Olympic debut in 2008.

“I distinctly remember that day, watching in the basement of my childhood home and thinking that’s what I aspire to achieve,” Wood recalled.

At 16, after completing his sophomore year at Bozeman High, his family relocated to Arizona to facilitate year-round training. Montana’s two BMX tracks posed challenges for consistent training and racing, especially with the harsh winter weather. Living in the Phoenix area allowed him to ride daily at any of the four nearby tracks and compete against professional riders.

“It was an exhilarating period in my life,” Wood reflected. “I woke up each day with goals and a plan, taking all those incremental steps that ultimately led me to where I am today.”

Wood remains grateful for the unwavering support from his parents, Josh and Andrea, during this critical phase of his career.

“There was definitely a sense of responsibility on my shoulders,” he admitted. “I realized they uprooted their lives for me, believing in me, and I’ve always wanted to make them proud.”

After moving to Arizona, Wood achieved success in several amateur races, catching the attention of USA Cycling.

In 2019, at the age of 18, Wood finished ninth overall at the Junior level at the World Championships in Belgium, the only American male competitor in the race. Following this, he reached the semifinals of the Pan American Games in Peru.

Wood turned professional in 2020 and secured second place in his inaugural race. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the racing season, halting his momentum.

“There weren’t many races that year, so it was disappointing for me,” he lamented. “After achieving that result, I was fired up, eager to keep racing, but everything came to a standstill for a while. So I never had the opportunity to truly prove myself in 2020.”

Although races resumed in 2021, Wood faced setbacks. However, he persevered and petitioned the head of USA Cycling to compete at the World Championships in the Netherlands, even offering to cover his own expenses. Fortunately, the organization funded his trip, a decision made just weeks before the event. Wood went on to claim eighth place globally, being the sole American male in the final.

“I fulfilled many qualifications, which essentially secured my spot on the national team,” Wood stated. “That opened doors in the last two to three years, where I proved myself on that stage.”

Since then, he has achieved two World Cup victories, seven World Cup podium finishes, and a silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games.

Although Wood considers 2022 as possibly the best year of his career on paper, the qualification system changed in 2023, rendering those achievements irrelevant.

“I have had to figure out how to replicate those results once again,” he added.

At the start of 2023 at a major race in Turkey, Wood suffered a serious fall from a rain-soaked starting gate, fracturing his left shoulder and tearing his labrum. While surgery mended the injuries, he missed several months of competition, testing his patience.

“It was extremely stressful knowing I had the potential for results, feeling like I was the one but unable to compete and vindicate it,” Wood shared.

He made a return in October to compete at a World Cup event in Argentina, securing second place one day and victory the following day. These results were significant in helping him qualify for Paris.

“That was undoubtedly the crowning achievement of my career, overcoming an injury and all the adversities to reach that point and deliver when it mattered,” Wood expressed.

In February, Wood experienced another fall at a World Cup race in New Zealand, aggravating the same shoulder injury and jeopardizing his spot on the Olympic team. Opting not to undergo surgery this time meant a quicker return to cycling, albeit with some discomfort.

Wood has maintained his leadership in Olympic qualifying points and utilized recent months to focus on physical therapy. As he gears up for his Olympic debut, he affirms that his shoulder is now in excellent condition.

“I have never felt like I reached my peak at any point this year due to the challenges I faced,” Wood added. “But I have proven to the committee and to myself that I still belong.”

This week, Wood competes in a different world from the Gallatin Valley BMX track where his journey began. He has reached a level that few ever attain.

As he has matured, Wood, who will turn 23 in November, has developed a deeper appreciation for the process of being a professional athlete and training like one. While understanding that not every race ends in victory, he still embodies the competitive spirit he displayed at 9 years old.

“Every time I hit the starting gate, my goal is to give my all to the race, leaving everything on the track. Showcasing everything I have. Whether it results in a win or not, you wake up the next day, train harder, and strive to improve,” Wood concluded.