Caroline Buchanan is one of those people that people feel happy just being around or engaging with in conversation. She is just as relaxed on a mountain bike hurtling down a 50% gradient dodging trees as she is on a BMX bike flying at 55 kph over a 13 metre jump, teaching two year olds still in nappies to ride a balance bike, being in front of a TV camera, talking to 200 business people at a formal dinner or glamming up for an awards night or photo shoot.
Her down to earth attitude makes her one of the most approachable athletes around today, even though she has won an impressive five elite World Championships, fifteen Australian National Championships and the wins keep coming. In 2013 she tested her physical and mental endurance by trying to win three elite World Championships in three different cycling disciplines in just 56 days on three different continents. She eclipsed all expectations by winning two of those World Championships and coming fifth in the third.
Her achievements in 2013 earned Caroline the title of “Queen of Dirt” in the cycling world. She became the first cyclist in its fifty six year history, to win the coveted Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy as Australian Cyclist of the Year and was the third female to do so. She was the first cyclist from mountain bike or BMX to win the award. Caroline also won the Australian People’s Choice Cyclist of the Year, Elite Woman’s BMX Cyclist of the Year, Elite Woman’s Mountain Bike Cyclist of the Year. There were more awards to come that year as Caroline won the AIS Athlete of the Year jointly with Kim Crow and she was a finalist in both the ACT Young Australian of the Year and the Young Canberran of the Year.
In 2014 Caroline went on to be Canberra’s only Australia Day Ambassador attending many of the Australia Day weekend functions. She assisted the Chair of the National Australia Day Council Board, Adam Gilchrist with Australian citizens after they had been welcomed by the then Governor General, Dame Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Tony Abbott. She firmly believes that “overcoming what life throws at you makes you stronger” and Caroline has several other mottos that keep her on the straight and narrow of sporting excellence.
Caroline is a great ambassador for the role of women in sport and now she has a profile that allows her to be heard and make a difference. Leading by example, she launched Buchanan Next Gen, an all girls BMX team set up to financially assist, mentor and promote the cause of women in one of her chosen sports. The team is made up of high achieving, gutsy young girls with great ambitions. Caroline raised over $10,000 necessary to send the youngsters to the BMX World Championships in Rotterdam. Her program was so well recognised she was asked to make a presentation at the 6th IWG World Conference on Women and Sport in Finland.
In many circles Caroline is also known as the Queen of Social Media and has broken new ground through using many social media platforms to promote her sporting passions. This year she launched her YouTube channel and has a series of video series called ‘Buchanan On Air’ allowing her fans an insight into her life, racing and the highs and lows of competing at the highest level. With her ever present smile and bubbly personality, Caroline is recognised and respected all over the world for her achievements, her passions, dedication, sense of humour, drive and approachability.
Caroline Buchanan is an Aussie BMX racer aiming for Olympic Gold at next years 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Growing up as a female in male dominated sport she has overcome many adversities including losing everything in the Canberra Bushfires, my brother breaking his neck and mistiming the gate start in the London Olympic final costing her an Olympic medal. She is constantly pushing the progression of BMX, herself and striving for equality in women’s sport. She has recently just launched her own signature kids balance bike & She mentor & run the worlds first all girls BMX team “Buchanan Next Gen”. She is very active on social media and has recently signed with Sony Australia, Weet-Bix, Rexona & Harley Davidson as their ambassadors.
All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
Caroline Buchanan is an exceptionally talented and highly accomplished BMX racer. She is fifteen times Australian National Champion, Five Times World Champion, Olympian and Current BMX World Cup Leader. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been coached by Wade Bootes since 2007. Your primary training base is on Queensland’s Gold Coast. You had a cycling scholarship with the ACT Academy of Sport. You were ignited and made competitive BMX and mountain bike racing as your career and reached the pinnacle of success by winning world championship in September 2013 the elite women’s title at the UCI World Four Cross Championships in Leogang, Austria. In July you also won the UCI BMX World Championships in New Zealand. Tell us about your journey that took you to where you are now in the world of competitive BMX and mountain biking racing racing and what factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I believe many factors have made me successful. Throughout my career I have always stayed true to myself. When I was growing up mum always said to me “be yourself. everyone else is taken” just B.U! This is what lead me to race the boys growing up, start downhill and 4 cross mountain biking when many said I should focus on BMX. Cut my hair short when I wanted to when many said keep it long. I enjoy jumping off the nice path to the top and create my own trail in a unique way.
Having an edge on your competition in professional sport is hard and every % counts. Mentally, emotionally & physically it takes the whole package to get to the top and stay on top.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How could you overcome the element of fear in BMX and mountain bike racing as a sport?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I was born into an competitive, successful sporting family. So for me I knew nothing different then to just go out there and do it. My parents have always be very supportive and guided me to get back on the bike and never be defeated by setbacks. I am an adrenaline junkie that loves speed and excitement. BMX ticks all those boxes.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I do 3 gym sessions a week in the pre season and off season. Track sessions, interval sprint training on the Watt Bike, swimming for some cross training, speed sprints, uphill sprints, skills sessions etc. Recovery is also big, so yoga, stretching & pilates are also part of what it takes.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I try to follow a majority gluten free diet as well as a paleo style diet. However on the road it gets challenging. Eating clean healthy non processed foods makes a huge difference to energy levels as well as limiting sugar intake including sugar from fruit really helps me.
Video
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hair to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I have a great hairdresser… I use a 2 minute miracle treatment by Aussie, a volume powder that I put in the roots to give my hair volume & for my skin I use Arbone skin products with detox face masks. I have to admit I am a girly girl when it comes to my hair, nail polish and fashion.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding competitive BMX and mountain bike racing girls who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in field of competitive professional BMX and mountain bike racing?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
The biggest one! B.U just be you and do things your way. True success happens when you are outside of your comfort zone, rise to a challenge and surprise yourself with your ability. Pick some great mentors and people to inspire you for help and guidance & never be afraid to ask for help.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel before and after your memorable win of UCI BMX World Championships in New Zealand?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
Prior to the race I was just focusing on enjoying the event and brining out the performer in me! It was my first major bmx race back after the Olympic Games so I had some memories to lay to rest and mentally some obstacles to overcome. After the event I was so happy to had won my first world title for BMX.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You in 2013 earned the title of “Queen of Dirt” in the cycling world. You became the first cyclist in its fifty six year history, to win the coveted Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy as Australian Cyclist of the Year and was the third female to do so. You are the first cyclist from mountain bike or BMX to win the award. You also won the Australian People’s Choice Cyclist of the Year, Elite Women’s BMX Cyclist of the Year, Elite Women’s Mountain Bike Cyclist of the Year. What responsibility these awards bestow upon you in your future efforts and activities in the field of BMX and mountain biking racing?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
2013 was a massive year with some crazy goals I had to push the progression of myself. Accolades are really nice to receive and to be recognized for hard work as well as proving that hard work pays off. I love getting dressed up for awards, also as most of the time I am wearing race clothes.
Being a role model does hold responsibility however I know that staying true to me has gotten me to where I am today and to just continue being me and doing that well. Giving back to the sport that has given me so much makes me happy.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influencer and motivator in your success in the field of your career in competitive BMX and mountain bike racing ?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
My parents, friends, family, Barry Nobles, Wade Bootes, sponsors, mentors, Layne Beachley, Tim Chadd, Robert De Castella & so many more amazing supporters!
Video
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about your experience of winning gold at 2013 UCI World Four Cross Championships in Leogang, Austria?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
Coming of the back of winning the BMX world championships and then being outside of my comfort zone at the downhill mountain biking world championships. I was back in my element living out a childhood dream at the 4cross world championships. It was an overwhelming feeling to win 2 world titles in one year at that event.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
With exceptional hard work you are credited with all your achievements. Do you believe that does the hand of Providence (Supreme Being) played a role in your success?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
Hard work, dedication, good support, being individual, riding multi disciplines, anything 2 wheels & also playing many sports at a young age I think has all influenced my success.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about your endeavour “Buchanan Next Gen” an all girls BMX team set up to financially assist, mentor and promote the cause of women in one of your chosen sports ?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan: In a global first, I, the current world number one BMX rider created a young women’s team. The Buchanan Next Gen team currently consists of three Australian BMX riders.
Mikayla Rose (ACT) is the eldest at 14 has her sights set on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. From western Sydney (NSW) is Paige Harding at just 11 years of age. Harding claimed fifth place at the 2014 World Championships and aims to improve on that this year in Belgium in July. The youngest and newest member to the team is 8 yr old Tayla Robertson from Shepparton (VIC). Robertson is a current national champion in her age group and is aiming for a podium at this year’s world championship.
The Next Gen team will all head to the upcoming BMX World Championships in Belgium in July. Last year team members Rose and Harding each finished in the top 10.
The Buchanan Next Gen team initiative is mentored by me, two time BMX World Champion and current winner of the BMX World Cup series. I also has three Mountain Bike World titles. I am aiming to compete in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016.
I want to support and nurture the future of BMX and women in sport, while I am still in the sport and to break the mould of sponsorship support in Australia taking it to a new level of professionalism, to help the girls to overcome adversity that is faced in male dominated sport when aspiring to be the best in the world and to give them the opportunity to compete on the world stage and gain the experience necessary to be champions of the future. Check out:http://www.instagram.com/buchanannextgen
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You launched your YouTube channel and that has a series of video series called ‘Buchanan On Air’. Tell us more about this venture of yours?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I really love telling my story and promoting my sport to the world. Check it out here 🙂 http://www.carolinebuchanan.com/media/video/
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
Women in sport rock! #LikeAGirl
To know more about her, check her out at: http://www.carolinebuchanan.com
To the latest about her, check her out at on her social media network at:
- http://instagram.com/cbuchanan68
- https://www.facebook.com/CBuchanan68
- https://twitter.com/CBuchanan68
- https://www.youtube.com/user/68CarolineBuchanan
Women Fitness Team thanks Caroline Buchanan for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and also wish to thank her Manager Nick Fordham from The Fordham Company who made this interview happen.
Video
All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.