Interview – Cam Wood ahead of next week’s Olympic Games

How does it feel to be on the prestigious Team USA for Paris 2024?

Representing the United States is such a privilege and a huge honor! It’s something I have never taken lightly in my racing career, and to be able to represent the USA at the Olympic Games is so special and something I have dreamed about for so long.

You’ve definitely had your share of injuries; at the Worlds, you were looking good, but it seemed like just bad luck on the first jump, getting caught up and going down. How’s the recovery been?

Yeah that was a really tough one to swallow. A lot went into that weekend. I moved out to Carolina for close to 4 months to prepare for that race and it was pretty heartbreaking for it to end like that. It was the ultimate reminder that anything can happen in this sport and unfortunately I was on the wrong side of it that day. Ultimately, I did enough to make the Olympic team and walk away okay after a hard hit and able to focus on my preparation for Paris.

Looks like you guys have been dialing in the track in Paris ahead of the Games. How’s the team camp going, and what are your thoughts on the track?

Training camp was really productive for me. I was in Paris basically the whole month of June preparing with the team. Definitely a unique opportunity to spend that much time on the track and I did everything I could to make the most of it. I love the track and facility! Can’t wait to do some racing in a few weeks.

How are things going over at Team USA with German Medina coming in? Do you work closely with him, and what has his vast experience brought to you and your program alongside the team?

German has been a great voice and leader for our National Team. He is experienced, knowledgeable and personable. He has been a huge role model for me personally, not just in sport but also in life in general. We mesh really well and I have grown really close with him over the last couple years.

From a little outside the inside bubble, we’ve heard you have or currently train with Sam Willoughby (big fan BTW). Could you actually set us straight on it?

I worked with Sam from 2019-2022 until he became the national team coach for Australia. He was really influential in my career, and still is. I spent a lot of time closely with him and Alise late in my amateur career, and my first few years as a pro. We have made a lot of memories and I will always be a fan of theirs.

You’ve had some great battles with Aussie Izaac Kennedy in the last few years in the States. You both have the real desire and dedication to want to win. Are you guys actually friends off the track?

I respect the racer and competitor Izaac is. We both race hard and both want the same thing so naturally there is tension. We definitely are not buddy buddy, but that’s competition and racing.

Of course, we know you want to win Gold in Paris, but would you be happy with a spot on the podium?

My biggest goal is to be present, display my best effort on the track, execute the best I can, and the result will take care of itself.

The US, going back over the decades, has always had a deep pro/elite talent pool, with sometimes the majority of riders on the gate being Americans in finals on the world stage. This has changed over the last few Olympic cycles to only a small group of riders capable of making World Cup finals, podiums and contest wins. Why do you think this is, and what needs to change to get more Americans in the mix?

I think naturally there has been a little transition period. Obviously, Connor, Corben, Nic, etc… have all had very successful careers and were podium capable for a long time. Sport evolves and changes every year. Just like any sport, successful racers have come and gone in the U.S. and it’s time for new people to step up.

I do realize there isn’t the depth that there once was in the U.S. but my job is to focus on my own racing and be the best I can be. I have shown what I am capable of on the international level. I believe people don’t pay much attention to that and are quick to judge when things aren’t going well. I think collectively as a team we are making progress and will continue to be better. At the end of the day the racer is the one on the gate and it’s their job, no one else’s, so I think there is too much criticism on everyone else. If the people on Facebook comments think it’s easy they should do it themselves 😂.

How are things with Mongoose? It looks like you guys have a solid program. Any new sponsors jumping on board for the Olympics?

Mongoose is family and I hope to represent the brand for many years to come. I have formed an identity with them since turning pro in 2020 and they have been such a huge support. So much history exists within the company and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of that.  They’re such great people involved and that is a very important thing to me. There’s no one I’d rather represent.

How’s the AZ scene? Who do you like to ride with back home?

The AZ scene is good. My parents, sister and girlfriend are all in the Phoenix area so there’s nowhere I’d rather be. Environment is everything and having a good support system and being around loved ones is always a priority for me. I have 3 tracks close by, good weather about 9-10 months out of the year, so being from Montana I’m still a kid in a candy shop, hahaha.

You came close to the USA BMX titles last year. What’s the plan post-Paris, and let’s finish up with long-term goals?

I hope to finish out the USABMX series strong and try to make a late season push. This past year has been tough navigating an injury but I’m feeling healthy and ready to get back to it. I just want to keep taking every race one lap at a time, keep evolving and growing as an athlete and person and I believe the results will follow.

PC: USA BMX 

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