Despite being one of the best female BMX racers in the U.S. back in 2008, Alise Post was denied a spot on the Olympic team because, at age 17, she was too young. At the time, the age minimum for an Olympic BMX racer in 2008 was 19. The young BMX star from St. Cloud, Minn., who was accustomed to racing at the sport’s top level, was forced to witness BMX’s pinnacle event from afar. To distract herself from the disappointment, Alise spread herself thin across three sports: BMX, gymnastics, and track and field, while maintaining a 4.0 grade average. Throughout her years, Alise has accomplished plenty: Multiple NAG No.1 titles in ABA 2001 ABA National No.1 Girl 2003 ABA National No.1 Girl Cruiser 2004 ABA National No.1 Girl Cruiser 2006 ABA National No.1 Woman Pro 2006 Golden Crank Rookie Pro of the Year 2007 ABA National No.1 Woman Pro Yet, the Olympic dream was still at the top of her list. Overcoming injuries and fresh competition brought new challenges to her. By the end of 2009, Post was back among the world’s best. Once she became eligible for the 2012 Olympic Games, Alise took her BMX dedication to a whole new level - training with Australia’s Sean Dwight. Upon graduating high school in 2009, Alise retired from gymnastics and track and field in order to relocate — at the invitation of USA Cycling — to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA.. Although she remained busy by continuing her education as a full-time student at the University of San Diego for the 2009-10 academic year and by increasing her involvement on the BMX World Cup circuit, she saw big improvements in the beginning of 2010. As a result, she resolved to narrow her focus yet again by making the difficult decision to take a break from college and completely dedicate herself to racing. Within months of this decision, Alise claimed a place as the top-ranked American, both nationally and internationally, by taking third place at both her first Elite World Championship, and at a World Cup race on her home track in Chula Vista. A true competitor, the 5’2”, 120 lb. Post overcame yet another injury and was back on her bike in time to successfully defend her USA Cycling national championship title in the spring of 2012 and wound up making her Olympic dream come true - as she was chosen for Team USA and set to head to London. The London Olympic games has its ups and downs, as all of Minnesota and the BMX World were cheering her on. A crash in the semi KO’ed her for a second or two, and in front of the World stage, she insisted on crossing the finishline with her bike - albeit, a bit wobbly and discombobulated. It was an unfortunate way to finish off her chase for a medal - but she already has her sights set for Brazil in 2016.

I started racing BMX in the mid 1970's in the St. Louis area. I continued to race through the 1980's and stopped racing once I began my career. I did return to racing in 2005, but have since retired. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and my Master's Degree in Sports Management; both from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I began my career in public parks and recreation and later moved on to campus recreation. From there I moved into athletics administration and eventually became a college athletic director. I left the sports world in 2007 for a short time before going to work for USA Cycling. I was with USA Cycling for two years before joining the American Bicycle Association in 2009. I remained there through 2017 as the Chief Marketing Officer and Director of New Track Development. I operate Grand Valley BMX in Grand Junction, Colorado. My family and I have operated the track since 2006 and have been a Top 10 track since 2008. Additionally, I became a certified USA BMX Coach in 2014. I enjoy teaching kids of all ages and enjoy attracting new riders to the sport. I can attribute much of my success to the lessons I learned on a BMX track and enjoy giving others the same opportunity. I have worked with numerous athletes, was the manager for the Team USA World's Team in Medellin, Colombia in 2015 and am also an Elite National BMX Commissaire. I believe in the fundamentals of sport and believe that to be successful in any sport you must have a strong fundamental base. While training and fundamentals are a key to success, you also have to mix in a little fun. I enjoy the many aspects of coaching and working with kids and adults of all ages on improving their skills.

Māris Štrombergs (born March 10, 1987 in Valmiera, Latvia) is a professional BMX racer - hailing from Latvia but currently living in Murrieta, California. In the 2008 Summer Olympics (held in Beijing, China), Maris became the first Olympic champion in BMX cycling. Earlier that year, he’d won the 2008 UCI BMX World Championships - also held in China. By doing so, Maris became the first Latvian-born Olympian to ever win a Gold medal - instantly boosting him up to Superhero status in his home country. Four years later, he prolonged his Olympic title by winning the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympic games - completely dominating the main event, and doing a great job of holding off Sam Willoughby for the win. Upon returning from the 2012 Olympics, Strombergs was greeted by thousands of fans in his hometown Valmiera - and whenever he visits back home in Latvia, he is a huge recognizable, sports celebrity.