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5 BMXers you have to watch at X Games Minneapolis 2018

By Michelle Bruton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 13: Jamie Bestwick flips during his 2nd run during the BMX Vert Final at X Games on July 13, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 13: Jamie Bestwick flips during his 2nd run during the BMX Vert Final at X Games on July 13, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MONTPELLIER, FRANCE – MAY 12: Ryan Nyquist of the USA attends the BMX Freestyle Park World Cup Semi Finals during the FISE on May 12, 2018 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE – MAY 12: Ryan Nyquist of the USA attends the BMX Freestyle Park World Cup Semi Finals during the FISE on May 12, 2018 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images) /

Ryan Nyquist (Dirt)

The man, the myth, the legend. Ryan Nyquist will compete in his 39th X Games in Minneapolis this week, a few months removed from his 39th birthday.

In that time, Nyquist has racked up 16 X Games medals, including four golds. He hasn’t earned a spot on the podium since 2013 in X Games Barcelona, but this year he may just be able to take home some hardware as he exclusively focuses on riding dirt.

In 2003, Nyquist began competing in dirt and park at each competition. One argument is that doubling up on disciplines gives a rider twice as many chances to win, but other action sports athletes have proven why this isn’t always the case. (Just look at Shaun White’s disappointing Sochi Olympics.)

But dirt is Nyquist’s true specialty. It has produced nine of his medals. Look for him to bust out eye-popping tricks such as his backflip superman barspin as he looks to work his way back to the podium this year.

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