Training the Mind: An Essential Component for Athletes

Nikita played soccer for most of her younger years but struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks leaving her unable to leave her home.  “Forced” to play a sport, she found BMX to fulfill that rule, do it on her own time, and even in the driveway so she didn’t have to leave her home.  Little did she know that BMX would soon take over every aspect of her life and become the reason she would push through her fears one step at a time.

​Fast forward nine year later and Nikita now travels the world as one of the top female BMX riders. With podiums at multiple world cups since 2016, 2nd at the 2022 World Championships, and an Olympic bronze medal at the first ever inclusion of the sport, Nikita is ready to jump back into training for Paris 2024!

 Nikita shares how she felt stuck in a room for so long but through her physical and mental training, she gets to experience the feeling of freedom. She chooses to use BMX and her voice to help end the stigma around mental health.

@nikita.ducarroz, @m1ndtricks