Carlo Griggs: The UK’s BMX Freestyle Trailblazer 🚴♂️🔥

In the vibrant world of BMX, few names resonate with the same reverence as Carlo Griggs. A pioneer of British freestyle BMX, Carlo’s journey from a young enthusiast to a Hall of Fame legend is packed with innovation, adrenaline, and a deep-rooted love for the sport.

🌱 Early Life & BMX Beginnings

Born in the early 1970s in the UK, Carlo Griggs discovered BMX in 1983, a time when the sport was just beginning to capture the imagination of youth across Britain. His natural flair and fearless approach quickly set him apart. By the age of 12, he was already making waves in amateur competitions, and it wasn’t long before he was picked up by Prolite, a major sponsor that recognized his potential.

🚀 Rise to Fame

Carlo’s breakout moment came in 1986 when he appeared on BMX Beat, the world’s first televised BMX freestyle show. His high airs and stylish variations stunned audiences and judges alike. That same year, he clinched the Under-14 UKBFA British Freestyle Championship and made history by unveiling the turndown air—a trick never before seen in UK competitions.

Throughout the mid-to-late 1980s, Carlo dominated the freestyle scene. He wasn’t just a ramp rider; he excelled in flatland too, winning titles across vert, flat, and overall categories. His ability to blend technical precision with explosive creativity earned him comparisons to American legends like Matt Hoffman and Dennis McCoy.

✨ Signature Tricks & Legendary Moments

Carlo was known for pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a BMX. His arsenal included:

• Turndown airs (he was the first to showcase them in the UK)

• Massive 14-foot airs out of quarterpipes

• Inventive air variations that redefined vert riding

One of his most iconic moments came at the 1989 Tizer Worlds in Manchester, where he launched a jaw-dropping 14-foot air—still considered one of the highest ever recorded in UK BMX history.

🛠️ Sponsors & Business Ventures

After riding for Prolite, Carlo joined Skyway, another heavyweight in the BMX world. His association with top-tier sponsors helped elevate his profile and gave him the platform to influence the sport on a broader scale.

In 2000, Carlo transitioned from rider to entrepreneur by founding Proper Bikes, a company dedicated to producing high-quality BMX parts and frames. His deep understanding of rider needs and technical design made Proper a respected name in the BMX community.

🎥 Video Sections & Media Presence

Carlo’s performances in televised competitions like BMX Beat and his appearances at major events like the Tizer Worlds were widely circulated and celebrated. While the BMX media landscape in the 1980s wasn’t as saturated with video content as today, his runs have been preserved and shared by enthusiasts, keeping his legacy alive for new generations.

🏆 Legacy & What He’s Up to Now

In 2024, Carlo Griggs was inducted into the British BMX Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to a rider who helped shape the sport in the UK. Today, he remains deeply involved in BMX through IMG Distribution, a company that supports and supplies BMX brands and riders across Europe.

Carlo Griggs, Tizer Worlds Old School BMX Freestyle Competition, Manchester, 1987

Carlo Griggs riding Vert at his BMX Ramp Jam, 1991

BMX Beat International, 1986 - Round 2 - Carlo Griggs Demo - Old School BMX