Ryan Williams | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #366

TL;DR

Ryan Williams shares his inspiring journey as a professional BMX and scooter rider.

Transcript

today's episode is brought to you by liquid death today's guest is a valiant man valiant young man he's from australia if you believe in that and he is a uh he's a world-class gold medalist in scooter games and in bmx uh by cycling this man has done things and you and i could never fathom doing even our dreams we can't do the things that this man d... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚙 Ryan Williams transitioned from rollerblading to scootering, driven by a desire to fit in with friends and enjoy the sport.
• 👍 Overcoming initial bullying about scootering motivated him to excel and prove detractors wrong, fueling his determination.
• 🚙 Williams reflects on the camaraderie among action sports athletes, emphasizing the importance of community support in achieving success.
• 🤔 Mental preparation plays a crucial role in executing extreme tricks, blending visualization and strategic thinking for safety and performance.
• 🏅 His rise to fame included achievements in competitions, such as winning multiple X Games gold medals and participating in Nitro Circus events.
• 👻 The evolution of scootering is shaped by accessibility, allowing wider participation while presenting unique challenges for the sport.
• 🚙 Injury management and recovery are essential aspects of Williams’ career, highlighting the demands and risks associated with extreme sports.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did you first get into action sports?

I initially got into action sports after watching the X Games and the movie "Ultimate X." I started as a rollerblader because that was all I had at the time. After many falls at the skatepark, I eventually switched to scootering when my friends encouraged me to join in.

Q: What was the turning point in your career?

The turning point was when I was sponsored and took my first trip to the USA. That experience opened my eyes to what was possible in my sport. I also caught the attention of Nitro Circus and landed my first world's first double front flip on a scooter, which changed everything for me.

Q: What do you think is unique about Australian action sports athletes?

There’s a certain fearless spirit among Australians, likely due to our unique heritage. It's common for us to embrace risk-taking and push boundaries, which translates well into the action sports world.

Q: How do you mentally prepare for a risky trick?

I visualize the trick in my head and run through each step repeatedly before I attempt it. At the moment of the jump, I rely on my instincts and experience, trusting in my preparations while staying focused and calm.

Q: Have you ever been injured while performing tricks?

Yes, I’ve had several injuries including fractured wrists and my skull. I've been fortunate to avoid major surgeries, but injuries are a part of extreme sports. The key is to learn from them and be more cautious in the future.

Q: How has Nitro Circus impacted your career?

Nitro Circus gave me a platform to showcase my skills and push my limits. It’s where I first achieved recognition and has allowed me to perform in front of large audiences, all while fostering a supportive community among fellow athletes.

Q: Do you feel there’s a difference between scootering and BMX riding?

Both sports share similarities, but scootering is often seen as more accessible, which can lead to misconceptions about its seriousness. Despite this, I've been able to bring scooter tricks to BMX and have proven that both sports can intertwine successfully.

Q: What kind of legacy do you want to leave in the action sports community?

I hope to inspire younger generations to pursue their passions regardless of the challenges they face. I want to show that with hard work and persistence, you can achieve things that people may not believe are possible.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ryan Williams, an Australian action sports athlete, overcame bullying and challenges to become a world-class BMX and scooter rider, earning multiple gold medals in competitions.

• He reflects on the evolution of his sport, emphasizing the camaraderie among athletes and the importance of mental preparation for extreme stunts.

• Williams discusses his aspirations for future tricks and expresses gratitude for the support of his mother and fellow athletes throughout his career.