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2012 Olympic hopeful Pearson humbles the big boys While there's a difference of opinion between Kyle Pearson and his mom Nicky about exactly when the bike racer from Georgetown began riding, there's no question that the confident 14-year-old's star is on the rise. So much so that he's not only getting to the finish line faster than most racers his age, but Pearson topped a four-cross field made up largely of adults at the recent Toronto International Bike Show. The Grade 9 Christ the King High School student won all seven heats and then was the recipient of some good fortune in the final when two of his opponents crashed out of the race. Pearson admits that his family's passion for BMX and four-cross riding probably has something to do with such a stunning result. Mom Nicky oversees BMX growth and development for the Ontario Cycling Association and dad Dean, a longtime competitor, serves as his mechanic. His younger brother Brady just gave up pedalling to focus more on soccer, but Kyle, who says he began tearing up the track at age four-- two years earlier than his mother's recollection-- has dreams of pursuing gold at the Olympic Games. BMX racing will be introduced at the 2008 Summer Olympics in China as an official sport. "I've been doing what I've been doing for a long time now and I've been able to learn a lot from my parents and friends," said Pearson, a member of the Ontario Performance Team. "We'll see what happens for the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. It's definitely a goal." Some of the 20-something opponents whom Pearson left eating dirt at the Toronto race might be a little embarrassed to find out that he has just moved up an age group, from 'Mini-Me' (14 & under) to the Cadet class (15-16 yrs.). He also finished fifth in the BMX race at the Congratulations... Dave Vogan Andrea Alcorn on your engagement. We are so happy for you! Love, from your families and ATHLETES of the Week CHRIST THE KING ACTON GEORGETOWN DISTRICT DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL Meghan Halverson Local teen Kyle Pearson has set a goal of qualifying for either the 2012 or 2016 Summer Olympics in the newly introduced sport of BMX racing. File photo International Bike Show. Those same cent, I can turn pro when I'm 17," he competitors probably don't know added. "I'm at the track, all week, what kind of commitment Pearson every week during the summer, and has made to becoming an elite-level we go everywhere, even just to pracracing, either. tise. It looks like we'll be all over A six-day-per-week training regi- Canada this year." men that includes plenty of dry-land Pearson will attend large-scale work and frequent visits to the track races in Quebec and Alberta this in Milton has put Pearson on the fast summer and is eagerly awaiting the track to a possible career in the 2007 world championships, which sport. will take place in Victoria, B.C. "That's in my mindset, to become (Eamonn Maher can be reached at a pro, and if I commit to it 100 per emaher@independentfreepress.com) Jaimi Fellows Jenna Brubacher Craig Rylett Daniel Kearns Aaron Hnatiw Roast Beef Buffet & Memories of Elvis Show for Acton High School Athletes of the Week are indoor track team members Jaimi Fellows and Daniel Kearns. Fellows, a Grade 11 student, earned a bronze medal at the recent Nike Adams Invitational at York University with a successful leap of 1.4 metres. Kearns, also in Grade 11, broke an Acton boys' record for the shot put at 11.60 metres, good for 10th spot at the York meet. Georgetown District High School Athletes of the Week are badminton players Jenna Brubacher and Aaron Hnatiw. The Grade 10 students were selected for their dedication and commitment to the squad. Christ the King High School Athletes of the Week are Meghan Halverson and Craig Rylett. Halverson was the vice of the Jaguar curling rink that competed at the provincial mixed tournament in Oshawa. Rylett, a goaltender, was named MVP for the CTK junior boys' hockey team that won its division at a tournament at York University. Best Wishes Only. For more info call Laura between 4 & 8 pm at 519-855-6650