Another local 2024 Olympian will be Perris Benegas who got her start in freestyle BMX growing up in Reno and riding with her older brother Tyler and friends.
The 28-year-old Reed High alum finished 4th in the sport's Olympic debut at the most recent Tokyo games and recently qualified to get another shot for an Olympic medal.
Benegas got a score of 91.92 points, finishing second in the Women’s BMX Freestyle Final at an Olympic Qualifier Series event in Budapest in June, just behind now U.S. Olympic teammate Hannah Roberts.
Her qualification marked one year to the day after she got operated on her torn ACL, capping a remarkable recovery.
“I woke up and it was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever been in. I asked to go back to the hospital because I couldn’t control the pain. I had no idea where I’d be a year from now,” Perris said of the initial stages of her difficult comeback.
“Every day was a hurdle and hard work. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my girlfriend and close friends and family. It takes a village and I didn’t get here on my own. I’m pretty emotional. I’m so grateful. It’s an amazing opportunity. This is a huge one and I can’t wait.”
Perris got her first name after Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, and could give it new meaning in the French capital soon.
Women’s qualifying in BMX freestyle begins July 30th, with the final the next day at the iconic La Concorde venue.