He's only 13-years-old but Colin Whittington of Arlington will be representing America on the world stage.
"It's astonishing. I can't even describe how it feels. It's amazing," said Colin, the USA BMX Champion for his age group.
His next obstacle is the UCI BMX World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand in July.
"Colin, right now, is considered a 13-year-old expert," said Gary Whittington, Colin’s father, who explained that BMX riders are placed into three categories: novice, intermediate and expert.
It takes some people a lifetime to become an expert at anything. Colin has been on the track for a mere five years.
"Since then he's been hooked," said Whittington's dad.
"I love the adrenaline rush," said Colin Whittington. "[The bike] is my life."
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"He trains six days a week and just unbelievably committed to the sport," said Gary Whittington. "He doesn't have an easy schedule by any means."
Whittington travels across the country competing in BMX tournaments.
"If I can't come out and ride I won't have any fun for the day," said Colin Whittington.
But his dad says he understands there's balance to the bike.
"He still has to make his bed up and get good grades and study first," said Gary Whittington.
"I get it really good from my parents because they have a really good work ethic," said Colin Whittington.
It's a work ethic that he says many of his peers often don't get and a championship track record they sometimes don't believe.
"It's really hard. A lot of times they won't believe me, they think I'm over exaggerating myself," said Colin.
That is, until he flashes the gold medals he has won, which he's hoping to take home in the world championships next month.
"I want to [finish] top three, if not win it all."
Why not? He has made it this far.
To help support Colin's trip to New Zealand, CLICK HERE.
