Video: “I’m one of the proudest Irishman that you could meet”

Kelvin Batey might have only declared for Ireland in 2010 but you'll do well to find a more passionate and dedicated sportsman in this country. He's won multiple world titles, coached upcoming riders and campaigned for more tracks to be built, while also staying competitive on the world stage. The superb video below will allow you get to know him a little better...

By Brian Canty

Kelvin Batey is one of Ireland’s best hopes of a medal at the Olympic Games in Rio next year but there’s a lot we still don’t know about the 34 year-old.

He missed out on qualifying for the last Games in London 2012 by a single point after he crashed in the final race in which to secure entry while four years prior to that in Beijing he missed out because of injury.

This video, created by recreational sports website ‘Fifteen’ goes behind the scenes to give us an insight into what it takes to be one of the best in the world at BMX riding.

There’s some cracking footage of Batey’s biggest wins, including that memorable World Championships victory in Belgium earlier this year.

“Representing Ireland is a really proud thing for me,” he says during the video.

“I’m one of the proudest Irishman that you could meet; I might not have the accent but at the same time, every time I pull the jersey on or hold the flag I’m really proud and I’m privileged to be able to represent the country.”