BMX freestyle rider's rise to the top
If there is someone who knows what it’s like to succeed after overcoming adversity, it’s Natalya Diehm.
Natalya has had six knee surgeries and multiple broken bones in her career, but has taken it all in her stride and says achieving bronze in Paris made it all worthwhile.
“To make history and be the first Australian woman to win a medal in BMX freestyle still feels unbelievable,” Natalya said.
“When I was standing on the podium, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief after all the injuries I’ve overcome and all the help my family has given me over the years.
“The medal was a thank you to my support network, while also being for the next generation of girls in the sport.”
Growing up in Gladstone, Natalya remembers the thrill of her first visit to a skate park at just eight years old.
“I remember riding up to the ramp with my eyes closed. I dropped in, and once I’d had that first rush of adrenaline, I was hooked,” she said.
However, a few years later, she began to comprehend her first challenge in the sport.
“When I got a little bit older, I started feeling intimidated being the only girl at the skate park,” Natalya said.
“The number of times I heard, ‘I can’t be beaten by a girl,’ motivated me to push even harder.”
Natalya is now using her platform as a Queensland Academy of Sport YouFor2032
Ambassador to inspire the next generation of girls to pursue a career in BMX.
“I’m living my dream of being a BMX rider, but I’m also living my dream of driving change and creating opportunities for girls in the sport,”
Natalya said.
“Seeing the start of this shift has been a privilege, and I hope to continue this by being the female role model I didn’t have when I was younger.”
Young Queenslanders who dream of competing on the world stage can now test their skills through the Queensland Academy of Sport YouFor2032 Talent Search app, driven by RACQ.
Queenslanders with sporting dreams aged between 13 and 23, or between 13 and 30 for Para-sports, are invited to test their skills via the app.
If they measure up, athletes will be matched to their best-suited high-performance sport and connected with elite coaches, expert insights, and the support they need to pursue greatness.
Athletes who test in the app by 1 February 2026 will be eligible for the next round of in-person testing during the YouFor2032 Regional Tour from February 2026.
Learn more and download the app
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