Australian BMX Olympic and world champion Logan Martin faced an unexpected setback just days before his Olympic competition. The 30-year-old, who is defending his gold medal in BMX freestyle from Tokyo, had his van broken into while traveling to the Games in Belgium. Martin’s van, parked overnight, was targeted, resulting in the theft of his equipment.
Martin shared a video on social media showing the smashed passenger seat window and revealed that his wallet, gear, and the team physiotherapist’s massage table were missing. “Our van got broken into overnight,” he wrote on Instagram. Despite the theft, Martin was able to recover some of his belongings scattered across a nearby park, thanks to bag tracking devices he had placed on his equipment.
Immediate impact and recovery
“Luckily, my bikes weren’t in there, although my bike bags were in there with some things in it,” Martin said. “Crazy start to the trip. Thank God for bag tags.” According to The News in Australia, Anna Meares, the country’s chef de mission, stated they are working on replacing the stolen items, including helmets and boots.
Recent incidents and security concerns
This incident follows other disturbing reports from France, including an Australian woman allegedly being attacked and sexually assaulted by five men in Paris, and two Nine broadcasters reportedly being attacked during an attempted robbery in the French capital.
Martin’s Olympic journey
Martin’s journey to the Olympics has been far from smooth, with setbacks including a loss at the World Championships in Budapest and struggles with injuries.
“Since Tokyo… that’s been on the radar – you know – winning another Olympic gold medal,” he expressed. “For me, it’s the pinnacle of sport … and if you can go out there and win an Olympic gold medal it’s the biggest thing ever. And then if you go out there and back it up, it’s even bigger.”
The Australian athlete turned professional in BMX freestyle in 2013 and already has one Olympic gold medal under his belt from his victory in Tokyo. Martin is also a two-time World Championship gold medalist, having won in Chengdu in 2017 and Montpellier in 2021, as well as securing a silver medal in 2019.