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SPORTS 27 | Stouffville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, September 22, 2016 BMX rider wins gold at world-class event By Michael HAyakawa uReport When you see news happening let us know... newsroom@yrmg.com www.facebook/yrmgnews @yorkregion yorkregion.com mhayakawa@yrmg.com Dylan Morrison loves to ride a bicycle. In doing so, the 13-year-old Stouffville resident's journeys are not limited to riding down a street. Rather, Morrison prefers to employ his BMX model enabling him to go up in the air and perform a variety of acrobatic manoeuvres including flips, flairs, tail whips and 360s. Just recently, Morrison's performance his BMX bike enabled him to ride off with a gold medal in his age group division at the FISE World Edmonton 2016 Series event in Edmonton, Alta. Not bad for someone who made his competitive debut in this event, which saw riders from several countries take part. "It sure feels exciting and exhilarating to win a gold medal," the Grade 9 Stouffville District Secondary School student said of his feat. "I've participated in many local competitions across Canada and in the United States. But never an international one." In entering the competition, Morrison said it was open to anyone. With three competitive level division titles up for grabs including the junior, amateur and pro, Morrison was among 15 riders who battled for the junior crown. After the competitors took part in the preliminary rounds, Morrison was among those advancing to the semifinal and final. Putting Morrison over the top, he cited, was his perseverance and approach he takes. "I practice a lot and I have a lot of fun," he said. Introduced to the sport just three years ago, Morrison became infatuated with it after visiting an indoor BMX facility in Markham, Joyride 150 Indoor Bike Park. What Morrison enjoys foremost about the sport is the pace at which he can continue to make inroads. And in his mind, it's a sport in which riders do not have to be concerned with what other fellow competitors do. "You can progress at your own pace and you're really only competing against yourself," he explained. Another aspect he enjoys is the camaraderie amongst competitors, who often try to share their knowledge. "I've made such good friends in the sport," he said. While elated with what he accomplished, Morrison is already thinking about the future as he intends to move up the competitive ranks into the amateur level and vie for an opportunity to compete at the FISE World in Montpellier, France next year. STOUFFVILLE NEWS ONLINE? yorkregion.com We can make your living spaces look great! Our team of professionals has been building quality kitchens, bathrooms, basements & additions for over 20 years. Contact us today for free estimate. Good Ideas, Sound Advise 905-201-7734 info@great-spaces.ca 15 Heritage Rd, Unit 20, Markham