Beth Shriever has always been about making history, and she is ready to write some more in 2026.
The BMX rider is eyeing up a European and world double this summer, as she looks to add to her illustrious medal collection.
Shriever pulled off the impressive feat last year, winning her second European crown in Valmiera before clinching a third world title in Copenhagen.
It was the perfect response to disappointment at Paris 2024, when she missed out on successfully defending her historic gold medal from Tokyo 2020.
That gold was Team GB’s first in BMX and now Shriever is chasing eyeing up a fourth world title – a feat no elite BMX rider has achieved – and back-to-back European golds for the first time.
But the journey has not been plain sailing, as Shriever has battled past injuries and disappointments to reach a place where history beckons this summer.
Eyes on European gold
Shriever’s first aim is to retain her European title, which she will bid for in Sarrians, France, between 25 and 28 June.
The 27-year-old stormed to victory by almost a second in 2025 but revealed it has taken time to get up to speed this season after undergoing knee surgery at the end of last year.
But Shriever put the competition on notice with victory in the fourth round of the BMX Racing World Cup in Papendal.
“It took longer than expected to get back to full fitness and strength,” she said. “I think that knocked me a bit, especially having so much time out from racing. It left some uncertainty about where I stood against the top riders, who are still pushing on and setting incredible times.
“In those first two World Cup rounds, there was a bit of doubt creeping in, wondering if I was still at that level.
“Going to Papendal and delivering strong performances and competitive times reassured me. It reminded me that when the belief and confidence are there, I can deliver.
“That’s given me a lot more belief going into the European Championships, that I can perform against the top riders again and deliver when it matters.
“It’s not a track I’m hugely fond of. It’s very tight and technical, and everything comes down to that first corner, so you really have to be on it.
“But I’m treating it as a new challenge. I’ve never gone back-to-back as European champion before, so going in as the current champ is exciting.”
Heading Down Under
Once Shriever is finished in France, Australia is the next stop as she heads to Brisbane to defend her world title.
Shriever is chasing a record-breaking fourth global gold but knows it will be anything but easy.
“Winning a fourth world title is a big goal,” she said. “It hasn’t been done in the elite categories, so it’s something I’ve openly discussed with my coaches.
“It’s definitely possible but everything has to come together on the day. You need to be in top shape and have a bit of luck as well.
“I won’t get ahead of myself. I’ll focus on preparing properly and performing.”
Copenhagen comeback
Shriever has good memories from her last time at the World Championships, as she won a stunning third gold in Copenhagen.
It was the perfect response to an eighth-placed finish in the final in Paris, where she had stormed through the qualifying rounds.
She said: “After what happened in Paris, I came back extremely hungry. I wanted to get straight back into training, although I did have another surgery on my collarbone, which forced me to rest.
“In the long run, that probably helped. I was motivated because I felt I hadn’t fully shown what I was capable of in that Olympic final.
“To come back and deliver at the European and World Championships afterwards was really special.
“Winning three world titles and doing it with my family there meant a lot - it’s not often they can attend.
“It validated the work I’d put in and proved what I’m capable of. Those races are among my favourites.”
Feeling confident
Such an impressive string of results would breed confidence in any rider but injuries have taken their mental toll.
Victory in Papendal has given her renewed faith ahead of the European Championships but it is a key skill she is constantly working on in the frenetic world of BMX racing.
“Confidence is massive in BMX,” she said. “There are seven other riders on the gate, and in both the women’s and men’s fields, anyone can win.
“It comes down to who can handle the pressure, stay composed, and make the fewest mistakes, especially in the final.
“That’s something I’m constantly working on; preparing for each race and each track, because they all bring different challenges and pressures.
“I work with my psychologist, going over the tools and techniques I’ve developed over the years. It helps me feel more relaxed and prepared, and we fine-tune the small details.
“I’ve definitely matured as both a person and a rider.”
Ready to inspire
Shriever still has plenty to achieve in the saddle but the Olympic champion also wants to leave a legacy beyond her riding career.
She is already being pushed hard by a new crop of young British riders, including European junior champion Freia Challis and world and European junior silver medallist Elsa Rendall Todd, and wants her achievements to inspire generations of riders to come.
“It’s really exciting to see so many younger girls coming through,” she said. “When I started my career, I never imagined I’d be in this position, so I’m trying to take it in my stride and be the best role model I can.
“If my success shows others what’s possible, that’s incredibly important to me. I just want to keep inspiring the next generation and hopefully see more girls on the start gate in LA and Brisbane.”
LA Legacy
Shriever is not done yet herself and is eyeing a legacy-defining second Olympic gold at LA 2028.
“I want to go out with a bang,” she said. “Paris left me with a feeling I never want to experience again, so the goal is to build well, arrive in great shape, and deliver the performance I know I can.
“There’s also a chance we could have two GB riders on the start gate, so we’re all working hard to earn points and give ourselves that opportunity."
Sportsbeat 2026