Māris Štrombergs
The explosive Latvian who stormed into history as the first-ever Olympic BMX champion, defending his title to become a two-time gold medalist.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Latvian bicycle motocross racer·Birthday: March 10·Millennials
Biography
Māris Štrombergs didn't just win BMX races; he announced the arrival of an entire sport on the Olympic stage with pure, unadulterated power. From the small Baltic nation of Latvia, Štrombergs dominated the late 2000s with a riding style that was both technically precise and brutally fast. His victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where BMX made its debut, was a landmark moment, turning him into a national hero overnight. He proved it was no fluke by capturing the world championship title later that same year. In London 2012, facing immense pressure, he executed a perfect final run to retain his crown, a feat of mental fortitude that cemented his status as a BMX pioneer. His career transformed him from an athlete into a symbol of Latvian resilience and the global face of Olympic BMX racing.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Māris was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Māris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Māris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first Olympic champion in BMX history by winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Games.
- Successfully defended his Olympic title by winning gold again at the 2012 London Games.
- Won the UCI BMX World Championships in 2008, the same year as his first Olympic gold.
- Earned multiple European Championship titles throughout his career.
- His victories were instrumental in popularizing BMX racing in Latvia and Eastern Europe.
Did You Know?
He is known by the nickname 'The Latvian Locomotive' for his powerful starts and speed.
Štrombergs began riding BMX at the age of seven after being inspired by his older brother.
He was awarded the Order of the Three Stars, Latvia's highest civilian honor, for his Olympic successes.
After retirement, he has been involved in coaching and developing BMX tracks in Latvia.
“The gate drops, and there is no plan B. You just go faster than everyone else.”
