Follow the incredible story of José Torres Gil, the Argentine BMX freestyler who overcame adversity to win gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. From his humble beginnings to the challenges he faced in his career, discover how José’s passion for BMX freestyle led him to the top. Learn about his unique bond with his twin brother, Francisco, and how their shared dream fueled José’s Olympic success. Get an exclusive insight into José’s mindset during his winning moment and his plans for the future.
This video explores the life of an Olympic champion, his struggles, and the power of determination in achieving the seemingly impossible. Witness the beauty of BMX freestyle and the impact of José’s victory on his country, Argentina.
Picture this. Hurtling through the sky on a BMX bike where every earthly worry melts away in a heartbeat of pure freedom. That’s the exhilarating reality for Joseé Torres Gil, the Argentine BMX freestyler who turned heads at the Paris 2024 Olympics. But here’s where it gets truly inspiring. This isn’t just about tricks. It’s a lifeline from a life of struggle that most of us can’t even imagine. Dive in with me as we explore his journey from humble beginnings to Olympic glory and uncover the hidden depths of a sport that defies gravity and expectations. Joseé Torres Gil, the Paris 2024 Olympic champion in BMX freestyle, shares in this exclusive chat with Olympics.com how his world transforms mid-flight. When he launches off a ramp, time itself seems to pause. His challenges fade into the background, offering a brief, soothing escape from reality. As I soar, everything stops. The world just vanishes. The Argentine cyclist tells us, “It’s purely me, the bike, and those ramps.” He’s tapped into this feeling to navigate tough times. Or simply reflect, “It’s that special instant where only I and my bike exist, and it fills me with joy.” This unique mindset has empowered him to execute moves that look downright intimidating, like complex flips and twists that push the boundaries of human agility. Known as maligno or evil, his nickname might suggest a sinister vibe, but it’s far from the truth. I consider myself a decent guy. They dub me that because I’m always cracking jokes and having a laugh. He explains in our oneon-one with Olympics.com. Despite a challenging path, the 30-year-old champion has discovered a sanctuary in BMX freestyle riding. UCI Urban Cycling World Championships 2025. Get the full preview, schedule, and tips on watching live. https/www.olympics.com/news/uci-urban- olympics.com/n/news/uci- urban- cycling-world- championships-2025-p preview-schedu dash how dash to dashwatch the arduous start for an Olympic winner we were fortunate just to afford a bite to eat Torres Gil isn’t the only rider in his family with that surname he shares it with his twin brother Francisco also a BMX freestyle enthusiast Together they chased their passion, but it came at a steep cost. Over the years, they grasped the real sacrifices behind their ambition. You dive into BMX freestyle with passion, joy, and plenty of laughs. Yet, there are definitely rough patches, Torres Gil warns. I avoid dwelling on them to spare others pity, but our existence was incredibly tough. His outward success masks the fierce battles he waged to reach the pinnacle of the sport. We were two brothers on the road constantly. He recounts, “Our parents backed us fully, but finances were a nightmare. We’d head to events unsure of where we’d crash for the night. Sometimes we’d arrive with no cash for meals because it all went to entry fees. Winning meant we might finally grab some food. They kept these hardships private. We faced far worse scenarios, but we stayed silent. These trials forged an unbreakable bond and fueled Torres Gill’s drive to the Olympics. We found happiness in each other’s company. That sufficed, he reveals. It makes us cherish every achievement deeply, perhaps more than outsiders realize. How he conquered his doubts with help from his sibling. The brother’s connection runs profound, and Francisco spotted Jose’s potential right from their early rides. He’s one of the rare ones along with family who truly believes I can triumph. The champion admits I’m plagued by insecurities, but he bombards me with calls saying, “Maligno, you’ve got this. Maligno, you’re top tier. Maligno, you’re world class. Just by being there, I struggle to see it.” Despite Jose’s wavering confidence, Francisco’s certainty never faltered. He held this unwavering belief I’d achieve greatness at the games and post win. He reminded me he always knew. Though Francisco missed the live Paris action, he rushed from Bolivia, his current home, to Argentina to celebrate their family’s inaugural Olympic hero. He was ecstatic. As twins, we’ve always pedled side by side. Torres Gil notes. Francisco sidelined his own cycling after a back issue led to scoliosis. So Jose now rides for the pair. An arrangement he accepts as long as Francisco stays supportive. Exclusive Argentina ultimate anthem of Paris 2024 Argentina. Torres Gil stays true to himself post Olympic triumph. On gold medal day, Joseé Maligno Torres was in a days. Over a year later, he still struggles to process his status as an Olympic champion. Even now, it’s hard to recall. It takes time to absorb and understand the Paris events. The Argentine icon shares, “Earning gold for Argentina is monumental.” He continues, “I had the skills, but BMX freestyle is subjective. Judges decide based on style and execution. That’s why predicting a win is tricky. It’s not like scoring points or beating clocks. It’s about how your performance resonates. Assimilating that I clenched it in my debut Olympics is incredibly challenging. His title has reshaped his life. Yet Torres Gil insists he’s the same humble athlete. It’s uplifting when folks appreciate you or officials do, opening doors to projects and growth. The sport feels more professional now. Amazing progress, he adds. But fame brings drawbacks. Argentina hadn’t seen Olympic golden ages, so I got a warm welcome. Crowds flock to our park for photos, and glimpses rare before. Now it’s daily or weekly. It’s a massive shift. Training’s tougher with extra commitments, speeches, interviews, and events. Travel spikes making prep harder. I’m figuring out ways to excel amid this. Exclusive highlights. Men’s Freestyle Cycling BMX Olympic Games Paris 2024. The men’s cycling BMX freestyle final took place on July 31st, 2024 at La Concord, Paris. Jose Torres, Gil YG secured gold. Kieran Darren David Riley GRB silver and Anthony Jean Gene FRA rounded out the podium. Joseé Torres Gills outlook. LA28 might be my final Olympics. Adapting to these training changes is crucial for Maligno Torres as he eyes Los Angeles 2028. I’m laser focused on LA28. It’ll be grueling. I suspect it’ll be my last games, so I’m all in, he states. As the defending champ, he’ll face pressure, but upcoming events like the 2025 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Riyad, Saudi Arabia start this week after silver to Australia’s Logan Martin last year. Torres Gil aims to reclaim the crown. I want that world title for financial stability for me and my family. BMX Freestyle is high risk, prone to injuries, so careers can end abruptly. That’s why building security matters. He reflects on past hardships, homeless nights, and food uncertainties. Looking back, he’d tell his younger self, “I’m overjoyed. Despite injuries, he persisted and enjoyed the ride. Today, it’s work, but the fun remains.” He stayed disciplined toward goals without knowing outcomes. He dreamed big, knowing it seemed unattainable. Yet Torres Gil knows the essence of BMX freestyle, turning the impossible into reality through sheer grit. But here’s where it gets controversial. In a sport judged subjectively, what defines true excellence? Is it the daring tricks that wow judges or the personal story behind the writer? And with BMX freestyles growing popularity, are we risking overcommercializing an art form born from street passion? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree that subjective judging adds magic or breeds unfairness? Share in the comments below.