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JAY SCHIPPERS

Jay Schippers has been riding BMX since he was just four years old, following in the footsteps of his older brothers. Growing up in Bergeijk, a small town in the Netherlands, Jay and his family traveled the world to fulfill his passion for BMX racing.
 
With the help of his family, teams, and never quitting motivation and desire to become the best, Jay was selected for the new talent team program set up by the KNWU at Papendal in 2012. This is a renowned sports training center located in the Netherlands that offers state-of-the-art facilities and services for athletes, coaches, and teams from a wide range of sports, including BMX racing. The center is considered one of the top training centers in the World and has produced many successful athletes.

With the guidance of coach Rob van den Wildenberg, Jay’s skills continued to develop and grew to become a professional athlete and BMX racer. By 2014, he had a breakthrough year in the Junior category. Jay achieved great results, finishing second at the Dutch championships, third at the European championships, and an impressive 6th at the world championships in Ahoy, Rotterdam. Jay’s success in 2014 was a clear indication of the progress he had made, and it was clear that he had the potential to become a top BMX racer on the world stage.

Unfortunately, the next two years proved to be a difficult time for Jay. In 2015 and 2016, he faced numerous injuries that hindered his performance, making it challenging for him to compete against the best in the world in the elite category. Despite these setbacks, Jay refused to give up on his dream of becoming a professional athlete. He continued to work hard and remained determined to overcome his injuries.

His hard work and perseverance paid off when he was selected by the head coach for the Dutch national team in 2016. This was a major accomplishment for Jay, as it meant that he would have the opportunity to compete at the highest level and fulfill his dream of becoming a professional athlete. The selection to the national team was a recognition of his potential and the progress he had made despite the injuries. Jay’s inclusion in the national team was a step towards his ultimate goal of representing the Netherlands in the Olympic games.

In 2022, Jay achieved another major milestone in his career, winning the Dutch National BMX title for the first time ever. This victory was a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it further fueled his determination to succeed on the international stage.

Now, at the age of 26, Jay is on the cusp of fulfilling his lifelong dream of competing in the Olympic Games. In 2008, he watched with his brothers as BMX made its debut at the Beijing Olympics, and it was then that he knew he wanted to be a part of it. 15 years later, he’s determined to give it his all one last time in the hopes of winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

However, this journey won’t be easy. After 10 years of training and competing with the support of the Dutch Federation, Jay will now embark on this final journey alone. But with all the experiences and knowledge he’s gained over the years, he’s ready to use everything he’s learned to try and make history.

timeline

Start BMX Career

Start BMX Career

  • 2000
In 2000, Jay’s career started at the age of just 4 years old.
2000
2004-2011
Competing globally

Competing globally

  • 2004-2011
From a young age Jay made a lot of progression and started to travel the world with his family to compete at races.
Talent Team

Talent Team

  • 2012
In 2012, Jay was selected for the Talent Team program set up by the Dutch Federation.
2012
2014
Breakthrough

Breakthrough

  • 2014
In 2014, Jay had a breakthrough year in the Junior Men categorie. Finishing 3rd at the European Championships.
Dutch National team

Dutch National team

  • 2016
In 2016, Jay was selected for the Dutch National team
2016
2017
First European Podium

First European Podium

  • 2017
In 2017, Jay scored his first elite men podium at the European Cup in Norway, finishing second.
Olympic Test Event

Olympic Test Event

  • 2019
Tokyo
2019
2021
European Championship

European Championship

  • 2021
In 2021, Jay managed to get 4th at the European Championship.
Dutch Champion

Dutch Champion

  • 2022
Jay became Dutch Champion for the first time in his career.
2022
2023
European Champion TTT

European Champion TTT

  • 2023

Jay became European Champion Team Time Trial.

timeline

Start BMX Career

Start BMX Career

  • 2000
In 2000, Jay’s career started at the age of just 4 years old.
Competing globally

Competing globally

  • 2004-2011
From a young age Jay made a lot of progression and started to travel the world with his family to compete at races.
Talent Team

Talent Team

  • 2012
In 2012, Jay was selected for the Talent Team program set up by the Dutch Federation.
Breakthrough

Breakthrough

  • 2014
In 2014, Jay had a breakthrough year in the Junior Men categorie. Finishing 3rd at the European Championships.
Dutch National team

Dutch National team

  • 2016
In 2016, Jay was selected for the Dutch National team
First European Podium

First European Podium

  • 2017
In 2017, Jay scored his first elite men podium at the European Cup in Norway, finishing second.
Olympic Test Event

Olympic Test Event

  • 2019
Tokyo
European Championship

European Championship

  • 2021
In 2021, Jay managed to get 4th at the European Championship.
Dutch Champion

Dutch Champion

  • 2022
Jay became Dutch Champion for the first time in his career.
European Champion TTT

European Champion TTT

  • 2023

Jay became European Champion Team Time Trial.

calendar

Open C1 Race

Sarrians France 4-5 March 2023

European Cup Round 1 and 2

Verona Italy 18-19 March 2023

European Cup Round 3 and 4

Zolder Belgium 8-9 April 2023

World Cup Round 1 and 2

Sakarya Turkey 3-4 June 2023

World Cup Round 3 and 4

Papendal Holland 24-25 June 2023

National Championship

Venlo Holland 2 July 2023

European Championship

Besancon France 9 July 2023

World Championship

Glasgow Scotland 12-13 August 2023

European Cup Round 12 and 12

Anadia Portugal 2-3 September 2023

World Cup Round 5 and 6

Sarrians France 23-24 September 2023

World Cup Round 7 and 8

Santiago del Estero 7-8 October 2023

World Cup Round 9 and 10

Santiago del Estero 14-15 October 2023

Road to Paris 2024 Olympics