From a very young age, Kailen Wouters has shown that his passion and dedication for BMX know no bounds. Now, at just 10 years old, he is already an internationally recognized figure, with his sights firmly set on the world title, representing Aruba at the highest level. A dream that seems predestined to become a reality soon. This is his story…
Kailen's introduction to BMX came at a surprisingly young age. His initial experience in a Strider race marked his path in the world of BMX, where he quickly progressed to more serious competition and gained recognition.
By the time he was seven months old, he was walking, and by one year, he was everywhere, his parents recounted. At two, he had his first experience in a 'Strider' race. "We went to see a cousin race in a BMX event of the Rough Riders team. When we arrived with the strider, some adults convinced us to lend Kailen a helmet and let him just try and participate in the balance bike race. At the age of three, he switched to a Mini BMX, and from there, he never stopped. He learned to pedal around the house," his parents, who have helped shape his path as an athlete, say with pride.
His switch to a Mini BMX at the age of three was motivated by his first victory in a strider race in Sarasota, Florida. This victory was the launching point for his BMX career. "Winning in Sarasota showed us that Kailen has real talent," his family says. From that moment, he became a prominent member of prestigious teams such as Rough Riders in Aruba, his first team before he turned two, and J&R Bicycles in the USA. "J&R had been watching Kailen for a while. Seeing that he was racing for another strong team in the USA and considering he is a World Ranked Rider, this was exactly what J&R was looking for. Coupled with his positive attitude and humility, when the year turned, J&R contacted us, offering Kailen a spot on their team for 2023. Their goal was to go for the 10th time as National Champion. We took this offer, and in 2023, J&R became the National Champion team in the USA once again."
At his young age, he has already visited many countries such as Curaçao, Colombia, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Scotland, and various states in the USA. He travels for a minimum of six races a year. His achievements include 4x National Champion of Aruba, multiple top 20s in the USA, and notable positions in world championships, demonstrating his power as a competitor. His ability to dominate his age category is based on "discipline with his training, love, and passion for the sport," he says himself. He is currently the World Sub-Champion (#2) in the boys' category for 9-year-olds.
"As parents who also practiced sports, we know the importance and what a sport does in the growth of a child, so we always encouraged Kailen to train hard to achieve his dreams." Financially, the parents and family are currently supporting him.
Despite his achievements in BMX, Kailen maintains a balance between his studies at EDU Campus and his dedication to the sport. His school encourages children in their sports with the possibility of taking online lessons. "The biggest challenge is for him to keep up with his lessons. Often he has to do lessons at home as well to finish everything. He comes home from school, changes clothes to eat, and immediately has to do his homework to not fall behind.
He knows that if his schoolwork is not in order, he will have to take a break from his sport, so he does his lessons at home in time to go train in the afternoon. After this, he likes to play. In the afternoon around 5 o'clock, he prepares to go practice his sport. He comes home around 8 o'clock to bathe, eat, and prepare for bed. "We try to have him asleep by 9 o'clock. Besides BMX, Kailen swims for Aruba Dolphins. Although he doesn't get to train much, he still competes. He also participates in triathlons. He likes to go to the sea, bodyboard, or snorkel.
Kailen aspires not only to be the best in BMX; he wants to have a positive impact on his community in Aruba and in the local and international sports world. "I want my achievements to inspire other children to follow their dreams," Kailen envisions. At his young age, he sees every competition as an opportunity to represent his island and motivate others.
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