Bay Village fifth-grader Huck Kurinsky has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning his fourth consecutive USA BMX Freestyle National Championship. The event took place over the weekend of October 11-12, 2023, in San Diego, California, where Huck showcased his skills in the 9-10 age division, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.
Competing against young athletes from across the nation, Huck delivered an impressive performance that earned him a top score. According to a press release, his routine displayed a blend of technical skill and creativity, traits that typically take years for athletes to develop. “Winning my fourth title feels amazing,” Huck stated after the competition. “I’ve been working hard all year, and it’s awesome seeing it pay off.”
Huck rides a Huffy BMX featuring the company’s newly developed Sledgehammer freestyle frame, marking Huffy’s first professional-grade frame release since the 1990s. The frame was co-developed with Nick Bruce, an Olympian, and Huck himself, illustrating his rising influence in BMX freestyle despite his young age.
Early Beginnings and Rapid Rise
Huck’s journey began in an ordinary setting. At just three years old, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he started riding at his local skate park in Bay Village. What began as a means to stay active soon turned into a passion. By age five, he was performing advanced tricks at Ray’s Indoor Bike Park in Cleveland. At six, he made headlines as the youngest rider to successfully land a BMX backflip on his first attempt at Woodward West in California.
This year marked a significant expansion of Huck’s career, as he participated in his first international competition in Toronto, Canada, where he emerged victorious. His growing presence in the sport has been recognized on platforms such as ESPN, and he was invited to the SLS Super Final in Cleveland, connecting with notable figures like Machine Gun Kelly through his relationship with Nitro Circus.
Community Impact and Future Aspirations
Beyond his competitive achievements, Huck is dedicated to giving back to his community. As Huffy’s Global Youth Ambassador, he advocates for bike safety through the Ohio Academy of Pediatrics’ “Put a Lid on It” helmet-awareness program, promoting safe riding practices among young cyclists. His philanthropic efforts include donating bikes and scooters to five Ronald McDonald Houses across the Midwest, and leading annual “Bike to Cure” charity events to support the Cleveland Clinic’s VeloSano cancer-research initiative in memory of his late grandmother, Susan Althoff.
“Huck embodies what we hope all young athletes can be,” said a representative from the Bay Village City School District. “He’s exceptional in his sport, but he’s also an exceptional student and an exceptional person who cares deeply about his community.”
Juggling a national athletic career, academic responsibilities, and competitive soccer is a feat that would challenge many adults. Yet Huck manages these demands with a maturity that belies his age, supported by his family and school community. His classmates and teachers celebrate his achievements while ensuring he remains grounded in the everyday experiences of childhood.
With BMX Freestyle now included in the Olympic Games since Tokyo 2020, the sport has gained significant visibility. For Huck, the Olympics represent a tangible goal that motivates his training. He has already competed at the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup in France, gaining crucial international experience under the guidance of U.S. Cycling Head Coach Jamie Bestwick.
As Huck continues to refine his skills and pursue his aspirations, he remains focused on balancing his responsibilities with the joys of being a child. His fourth consecutive national championship is not only a testament to his dedication but also a precursor to even greater achievements on the horizon. The BMX freestyle community, along with the residents of Bay Village, eagerly anticipates Huck Kurinsky’s future endeavors and the heights he is poised to reach.
