South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS) is celebrating the selection of 10 local BMX athletes to represent Australia at the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane later this month.
The championships, to be held at the Brisbane BMX Centre from 17–25 July, will welcome more than 2,000 riders from around the world and mark the first time the event has been hosted in Australia in more than a decade.
The selected SWSAS athletes are:
Championship riders – Isla Basa – junior elite women (World No. 4 from last year – 16 girls)
Challenge Riders – Locky Schwartz – 13 and 14 boys cruiser, Zailee King – 14 girls, Maddison McCulloch – 15 and 16 girls cruiser, 15 girls, Sienna Biffin – 15 girls, Brody Willmott – 13 and 14 boys cruiser, 14 boys, Luke Morris – 15 and 16 boys cruiser, 16 boys, Mason Thorn – 16 boys (World No. 8 from last year – 15 boys), Ryder Nicholson – 17-24 men and Theodore Lorking – 13 and 14 boys cruiser.
The academy’s BMX coach Dan Morris said the group had earned every opportunity through their commitment to continual improvement.
“To have 10 of our 13 squad riders qualify for the Australian Challenge Team for the BMX World Championships is something we’re extremely proud of,’’ he said.
“It reflects the depth of talent in this group and the consistency they’ve shown across the season to earn their places on the world stage.
“For our riders to qualify across so many age groups and classes is a great reward for the work they’ve put in, and it’s exciting to see such a strong representation from our program heading into Brisbane.’’
Three members of the academy coaching staff will also be heading to Brisbane for the World Championships: Jessica Galeano – 25-29 women, Hayne Dawson – 17-24 men, 17-24 men cruiser, Daniel Morris – Australian assistant team manager (Challenge).
Academy program manager Stephen Craig said SWSAS was incredibly proud to see such a strong representation from the South West Sydney region.
“To have 10 athletes, along with members of our coaching staff, selected to represent Australia at a World Championships is an incredible achievement,” Mr Craig said.
“These selections highlight the strength of the athlete development pathway across South West Sydney and demonstrate what can be achieved through quality coaching, strong club environments and the commitment of our athletes and their families.’’
From left, Luke Morris, Theodore Lorking, Isla Basa, Brody Willmott and Ryder Nicholson. South West Sydney Academy of Sport BMX Athletes selected for the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships. Photo: Kellie Nolan.
