Published: August 2, 2012
Excitement builds for Burnham-On-Sea rider's bid for Olympic glory

Burnham-On-Sea BMX racer Liam Phillips will be eagerly watched by family, friends and residents in the town next Wednesday (August 8th) when he bids for a medal at the London Olympics

Excitement is building across Burnham for 23 year-old Liam, who hopes to improve on his previous Olympic experience four years ago when he reached the BMX quarter finals in Beijing.

Liam's grandmother, Jan, who lives in Burnham, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: "The excitement is really hotting up for us and the days seem to be going very fast towards Wednesday 8th August."

"Sixteen of Liam's friends and family will be going to the first day of the time trials. Liam's parents - Sharon and Pete - will also be staying in London until the finish of the event."

Liam suffered a fractured collarbone in a fall at the 2012 BMX World Championships in Birmingham earlier this year, but had surgery and says he is now back to full fitness and ready for action.

"It’s part of BMX, I wouldn’t change it," said Liam of the danger of crashing. "It’s what keeps everyone on the edge of their seats."

Liam will be taking part in the men's BMX seeding run at 3.40pm on Wednesday August 8th. He hopes to reach the quarter-finals at 3pm on Thursday August 9th, and to progress to the semi-finals at 3.08pm on Friday August 10th and to the final at 4.40pm on the same day.

Liam was selected for Team GB in June, as Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here.