Rampfest's Finest: Sophie Hildebrand - Interview with a BMXer

Rampfest's Finest: Sophie Hildebrand

There's a bright future ahead for Sophie and we're stoked to be a small part in her continued success. Sophie has been a regular rider here at Rampfest & when resident photographer Gorak was here last, he caught up with Miss Hildebrand and asked her a few questions. Enjoy.

Just quickly;

Name: Sophie Hildebrand

Age: 22

Hometown: Diggers Rest

How long have you been riding?

I've been riding for around 2 years. My boyfriend Liam Quinlivan got me my first BMX christmas 2019 after I kept taking his bike while he was riding and eventually he gave in and I fell in love with BMX ever since.

Have you got any favourite moment/s in BMX

I don't specifically have a favourite moment/s, I think my biggest moment was joining in on the Moomba Riverslide Jam in 2020 and at that point I had only been riding for 3 months so that was a really inspiring moment for myself and proving to myself hey maybe I can do this. I also think the main moments that pop into mind are the ones where I was surrounded by an awesome group of people who would hype me up to do a jump or trick I was afraid of and them believing in me.

Were you able to keep riding over the Melbourne lockdowns

I tried riding as much as I could outside but the weather was terrible for the majority of the time. I focused most of my energy towards studying and working during the lockdowns so riding got pushed to the side for a bit.

What do you do when you’re not riding BMX?

I'm currently studying to be a teacher! Only a year left of my degree and then I will be the cool teacher that rides BMX! I also work currently at Lombard and I was lucky to be able to keep working throughout lockdown, so my lockdowns were either spent working or studying. That and honestly just hanging out with friends and travelling. I'm a bit of a nerd so I always love reading a good book somewhere quiet.

You competed at the BMX Nationals, how was that?

It was different. I never expected to compete at nationals, and it was a very last minute decision to join in. When I found out Natalya Diehm was coming down from Queensland to join in I said yep okay I'll join in it'll be an amazing experience and it will hopefully inspire more girls to get involved in the sport and grow the BMX girl community. The support I got from everyone was so great, even though I was super nervous to ride in front of so many people and probably embarrass myself a little, but all the BMX riders assured me and told me to just have fun and enjoy the moment.

Did you do as well as you’d hoped?

I mean there were only two of us competing, Natalya and I and she's a literal Olympian so I can't be disappointed with coming in second place.

Do you like competing?

I think I do but I need to get a lot better while also putting less pressure on myself, but for the most part yeah I like competing. I am naturally a quite competitive person and always want to be the best and best version of myself.

If so, aspirations to get to the Olympics?

I think it would be awesome to compete at the Olympics but I don't think I'll ever reach the same level as the girls that are riding in the Olympics. They are incredibly talented and hardworking and I think I started riding BMX a little too late to get to that level. But never say never haha I'll keep working on myself and my riding and see where it can get me.

What would you say to anyone interested in trying out BMX?

Just give it a go and have fun with it. Don't let the fear of others hold you back on trying something new.

What do you like about riding at Rampfest?

The supportive community of riders. It's always a good time at rampfest and everyone is usually super friendly and helpful. I like how everyone supports everyone no matter what level of riding they are.

Other Rampfest's Finest? Who are your favourite people to ride with/watch at Rampfest?

Favourite people to ride with would have to be; Liam Quinlivan, Mia Tasevska, Alec Danelutti, Ravine Kelly, and heaps of others because pretty much everyone is awesome to ride with. Favourite people to watch: Liam and Alec when they are riding together because they push each other to ride at their best and they are so amazing to watch and see what crazy tricks they can pull.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Just want to get more girls involved in the BMX scene! Don't be afraid to try something completely different and something you never thought you could do. It's such an empowering sport and the feeling you get when you land your first trick or flying through the air is so amazing. BMX is about having fun and we need more girls in the sport to show that girls also belong in the BMX scene!

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