Logan Martin is such a likeable person that it is a delight to read about his life.
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Do you need to be interested in the BMX world to enjoy this story?
Despite having zero knowledge of the fact that a BMX freestyle Olympic event even existed or the lengths it takes to become an X-Games legend, this inspiring and beautifully written story hooked me very quickly. Logan Martin has the spirited writing of a person that never gives up, is always hopeful, and strives for the top without any trace of resentment at the curveballs thrown his way.
The story starts with much juvenescence as he notes that he got into BMX riding simply because his brother did so, and he was the annoying little brother that liked to follow him everywhere. As the story progresses this frankness continues. Without reserve, he simply states that he loves that the sport allows him to continue his life as a ‘big kid’, doing stuff that he thinks is cool. All the while, his passion for and dedication to the sport is blaringly obvious.
Martin’s goal was always to be the best, however it was not about accolades. As he humbly states, he just wanted to buy his own home with prize money, and even though for some time he had been excelling in several types of BMX events, Martin was still gratefully surprised by the welcoming home after his success in the Tokyo Olympics.
In Logan Martin: Journey to Gold, he credits the many people that showed him the way forward, mentored him in the sport, and provided those pivotal pathways to his future success. The book has been recently published, so he talks of the pandemic, how he managed to maintain his form during that time, and the absence of people at the Tokyo Olympics.
I have now been completely educated in this exciting event, and am all the richer for it. The author describes tricks in detail at times, but if you’re unfamiliar with the jargon like I was, the book includes images of his tricks at the back, and you can also see them on his YouTube channel. Martin has a real genuine personality which shines through this book, so it is just a lovely story to read about a youth finding his path, despite the noise around him.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: October 2022
RRP: $34.99
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