Sam Willoughby is an Adelaide boy making it big on the world BMX stage.
Just last weekend, Sam secured a BMX World Championships double in Rotterdam. The Olympic Silver Medallist claimed the time trial on Saturday and backed up with victory in the men's elite race on Sunday – regaining the title he won in 2012.
The now 22-year-old left Adelaide for California at age 16. He won the junior BMX title in 2008 and again in 2009. Willoughby advanced into the senior ranks within two years of his arrival.
Also a talented junior footballer, Sam played for Flagstaff Hill until Under-16s before opting for a career in BMX. He was best-on-ground at the ‘Slowdown’ charity match in 2012. Sam has been an Ambassador of the Adelaide Football Club since 2011.
How and why did you start supporting the Crows?
It was a passion I was born into. My parents are both mad Crows supporters.
How often do you watch Crows games?
I watch pretty much every week. I’m living in the US now, so it’s hard to get TV coverage but I am always able to listen or keep up some way via the Internet.
Where is the quirkiest place you’ve watched a Crows game?
Probably on a computer in a shady little bed and breakfast in the Swiss Alps in 2011. I was sitting on a bunk bed watching online with my teammates.
Do you have any Crows memorabilia?
I have a signed Andrew McLeod guernsey from when I was little. My parents’ house is full of Crows memorabilia premiership photos. My favourite thing is a ‘Congratulations’, signed Crows guernsey that the Club gave me after I won the Silver Medal at the Olympics.
Tell us what you’re up to at the moment …
Currently, I am based in San Diego, California. I’ve just finished competing in the BMX World Championships in Holland, which was amazing. I’m back in Australia briefly in August, so I’ll be at Adelaide Oval to watch the boys play West Coast. I’m really looking forward to kicking back and enjoying the game before I go back for the remainder of the US racing season, which concludes in November.
