Bay Village’s Huck Kurinsky Claims Fourth BMX National Title

Huck Kurinsky, a fifth-grader from Bay Village, Ohio, has made headlines once again by winning his fourth consecutive USA BMX Freestyle National Championship. The young athlete triumphed in the 9-10 age division during the championship held in San Diego, California, from October 11 to 12, 2023. His victory marks a significant milestone in a year filled with impressive achievements, including his first BMX competition and subsequent rise to national recognition.

Kurinsky’s performance at the national championship was exceptional, showcasing a blend of technical skill and creativity that earned him the top score in his division. “Competing against other young riders from across the country at the USA BMX Freestyle National Championship—sanctioned by USA BMX Freestyle and supported by USA Cycling—Huck earned a division-leading score with a run that showcased both technical precision and creative flair,” stated a press release from his family.

After the event, Huck expressed his excitement, saying, “Winning my fourth title feels amazing. I’ve been working hard all year, and it’s awesome seeing it pay off. I love riding with my friends and learning from some of the best in the world.”

Kurinsky competed on a Huffy BMX bike, featuring the company’s new Sledgehammer freestyle frame, which is notable for being Huffy’s first professional-grade frame since the 1990s. This innovative frame was co-developed with Olympian Nick Bruce and Huck himself, highlighting his growing influence in the BMX community.

Huck’s journey began at a young age. At just three years old, he started riding at his local skate park during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a simple way to stay active soon transformed into a deep passion for BMX riding. By the age of five, he was already mastering advanced tricks at Ray’s Indoor Bike Park in Cleveland. Remarkably, at six, he became the youngest rider to land a BMX backflip on his first try at Woodward West in California.

This year has expanded Huck’s horizons even further. He participated in his first international competition in Toronto, Canada, where he emerged victorious. His visibility increased with appearances on ESPN and an invitation to the SLS Super Final in Cleveland, where he connected with notable figures in the action sports industry, including Machine Gun Kelly.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Huck is dedicated to community service. As Huffy’s Global Youth Ambassador, he promotes bike safety through the Ohio Academy of Pediatrics’ “Put a Lid on It” helmet-awareness program, advocating for safe riding practices among young cyclists. Additionally, he has visited five Ronald McDonald Houses across the Midwest, donating bikes and scooters to families in need, and he organizes annual “Bike to Cure” charity events to support the Cleveland Clinic’s VeloSano cancer-research initiative in memory of his late grandmother, Susan Althoff.

A representative from the Bay Village City School District remarked, “Huck embodies what we hope all young athletes can be. He’s exceptional in his sport, but he’s also an exceptional student and an exceptional person who cares deeply about his community.”

Managing a national athletic career while excelling academically and playing competitive soccer presents challenges even for adults, yet Huck handles these responsibilities with remarkable maturity. He receives strong support from his family and school community, who celebrate his successes while ensuring he remains grounded.

With the inclusion of BMX Freestyle in the Olympic Games since Tokyo 2020, the sport has garnered increased attention. For Huck, the Olympics are not just a distant dream but a tangible goal guiding his training and competition efforts. He has already participated in the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup in France, gaining valuable international experience. Under the mentorship of U.S. Cycling Head Coach Jamie Bestwick, he continues honing his skills to meet the demands of elite competition.

As Huck looks ahead, he aims to represent the United States on the Olympic stage, potentially as soon as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, when he will be just 13, or more realistically in 2032, at the age of 17. For now, he remains focused on improving as a rider, excelling in school, and enjoying childhood.

Huck Kurinsky’s fourth consecutive national championship not only reflects his years of hard work but also signals a promising future in BMX Freestyle. As he continues to soar, the Bay Village community and BMX enthusiasts alike will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how high he can fly.